Irmo, S.C. Welcomes the Water Walk Development
The friendly town of Irmo, South Carolina is gearing up for significant changes as the Town Council has recently approved rezoning requests for a 64-acre property located at the bustling intersection of Dreher Shoals Road, Muskrat Run, and Salem Church Road. This ambitious new project, dubbed the Water Walk, is set to breathe new life into the area with nearly 550 residential units, an array of commercial spaces, and even a boutique hotel!
Planning for Growth
Assistant Irmo Town Administrator Doug Polen emphasized the importance of controlling the development of this area. “This area is going to grow, so by doing this project, we are able to control our destiny on that road, and we are able to ensure that the project is the best possible for the people that live in that area,” he shared. With the rezoning approval now in the bag, developers will need to purchase the land and get the necessary permits to kick-start this exciting endeavor.
This approval was not a walk in the park; it took a couple of readings and revisions before the Council landed on the final decision. Polen noted that the Council had previously denied the proposal in September and highlighted the importance of having multiple readings. “That’s why we have two readings, so that we can catch mistakes and clarify issues,” he explained, reflecting on the complex nature of planning such a large-scale development that is expected to take 5 to 10 years to complete.
Community Concerns
Of course, with any significant change, there are bound to be some concerns. Some residents have voiced their worries about potential traffic issues that may arise from the new development. In response, Polen assured residents that developers would conduct a thorough traffic study and handle road improvements, like widening roads, to accommodate the new project. The developers have committed to limiting construction vehicle activity to certain times of the day to minimize disruption.
Meanwhile, one resident has filed a lawsuit claiming that the town broke the law by allowing developers the opportunity to revisit plans after a denial from the planning commission. The situation certainly has added a layer of complexity to an already intriguing development journey.
Commitment to Transparency
Navigating these various challenges is all part of the process, but the developers, Material Capital Partners, are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the town and its residents. A statement from their representative, Alex Chalmers, indicated they are eager to collaborate with the community to find the best solutions for traffic flow and other concerns. “We will begin site planning and studies with our partners and commence the entitlement process with the Town,” he stated, ensuring that residents will be kept informed through annual updates and regular postings on a dedicated project website.
The Road Ahead
With the development agreement now in place, which includes seven specific changes to address residents’ concerns, the Council is set to monitor the project’s progress closely. As this new era for Irmo begins, residents can expect to see regular updates on how the Water Walk is coming together. Polen reassured the community that they take their roles seriously and are working hard for the betterment of all.
As Irmo steps into this exciting phase with the Water Walk, the focus remains clear: creating a future that balances growth with the well-being of the existing community. In the coming years, it will be interesting to see how this development unfolds and the positive changes it brings to the lovely town of Irmo, S.C.
