Irmo Town Council Approves Initial Steps for Controversial Water Walk Development Project

Irmo Town Council Moves Forward with Water Walk Development Project

In a spirited meeting this past Tuesday, the Town Council of Irmo gave a green light of sorts to the proposed Water Walk development, a mixed-use residential project that has sparked much discussion and concern among residents. The council’s approval was just the initial step, and they plan to revisit it for final approval next month.

A Controversial Proposal

Water Walk is set to occupy 65 acres along the picturesque shore of *Lake Murray*, specifically at the intersection of 2947 Dreher Shoals Road and S.C. 6. The plan includes an impressive up to 550 residential units, with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and senior-living units, plus some commercial spaces for dining and retail, and even a small boutique hotel. However, this ambitious plan has not come without its challenges.

The local community has voiced strong opposition, raising significant concerns about potential traffic congestion, especially on Dreher Shoals Road and the narrower residential routes nearby. Environmentally-minded residents are worried about whether there will be enough buffer zones to separate the new development from existing neighborhoods. Plus, there’s an ongoing debate about the right balance of rental units compared to those available for purchase.

The Bigger Picture

The council members demonstrated a firm commitment to ensuring that Irmo controls its own growth, despite the controversy surrounding the Water Walk project. Mayor Bill Danielson explained that the land is already zoned for general residential use. “If we turn down this proposal for Water Walk, the developers could potentially build up to 700 apartment units without needing town approval,” he noted.

This puts the council in a tight spot. By *supporting Water Walk*, they’re able to impose guidelines that dictate what the development might look like and how it integrates into the community. Mayor Danielson highlighted that the developers have already promised to offer a range of floor plans, develop walking trails, and maintain the natural slope of the land leading to the lake.

Challenges Ahead

As the project moves forward, several hurdles stand in the way before it reaches completion. A comprehensive traffic study is on the to-do list, along with necessary approvals from the South Carolina Department of Transportation. This is particularly relevant given that the widening of Dreher Shoals Road is likely to be required as a result of the new traffic patterns the development could bring.

“It’s about moving an elephant little by little,” joked Mayor Danielson, referring to the complexities of traffic management and development in the area. The Planning Commission had initially voted against recommending the proposed rezoning but changed their stance after staff reassured them about the developers’ commitments.

Addressing Community Concerns

Throughout the council meeting, there was an evident effort to acknowledge and address the concerns raised by local residents. Town Councilwoman Phyllis Coleman expressed her worry about the balance between rental and homes for sale, even suggesting that a ratio of 60-40 in favor of sold homes would be ideal. Though staff clarified that this kind of ratio isn’t feasible, Councilman Erik Sickinger responded by explaining how the proposed build-to-rent homes differ from typical rentals regarding occupancy rates and overall impact on the community.

Moreover, Councilman Sickinger articulated that “what’s being proposed is not what many of us think of when we hear rentals,” underscoring that these homes would often attract longer-term residents.

A Call for Transparency

In a moment of frustration, Mayor Danielson addressed some community members who accused the council of colluding with developers. He stressed the importance of transparency and trust, stating, “I take offense to those kinds of comments. We’re just trying to do what’s best for our community.”

As the Town Council prepares for next month’s final vote, residents will undoubtedly continue to engage in conversations about Water Walk and what it means for the future of Irmo. It’s clear that change is coming to this cherished lakeside town, and the community will have a say in how it unfolds.