Excitement and Concern Surrounding Lake Murray Development
LAKE MURRAY SHORES, S.C. — The buzz around town is all about a new development project known as Water Walk. This proposal is making waves in the community, bringing both excitement and concern as it aims to transform the area with hundreds of homes and commercial properties.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Residents of Irmo have been voicing their feelings about the project, and the opinions are quite varied. For some, like local resident Theresa Rhoades, the thought of more homes being built is troubling. “My first thoughts, they’re cutting down enough trees out here, ya know,” she shared. “And we have wildlife that live in these forest areas, and then there’s enough traffic up here.” Theresa’s worries highlight the potential environmental impact and increased congestion that could come with the new development.
On the flip side, there are residents who welcome the concept. Ira Lee, another local, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I mean I think it’s a great idea overall. The lake is actually bringing more people in for the families and communities, in general, so I think it’s a good idea.” It seems that for some, the prospect of new homes and businesses means more opportunities and increased community engagement.
What’s in Store with Water Walk
The Water Walk project is being pitched as a mixed-use development. The plan envisions a maximum of 550 residential units, which could include single-family homes, townhomes, senior living facilities, along with retail spaces and hospitality venues. All of this could potentially transform the landscape right off Dreher Shoals Road.
Recently, the Irmo Planning Commission took a significant step forward by approving a rezoning request for 65 acres of land from general residential to mixed-use development. This new designation aims to allow for a blend of residential and commercial properties, making it a more versatile project overall.
City Officials Weigh In
Mayor Bill Danielson shared his insights on the decision. He noted that without the rezoning, developers could have built up to 700 homes. “Is that something we would want? No,” he stated, reflecting the sentiments of those worried about overdevelopment in the area. “But we don’t have the power to stop things, so the best thing we can do to that property is mix-use this.”
Danielson explained that the approval does not guarantee the development will happen immediately. “Again all we’ve done with that zoning is allow the developer to move forward under their contract and to do more due diligence,” he explained. This due diligence will include extensive market studies and traffic analyses, each potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars. “There will be major investments made,” he added, “and this project may still not happen.”
A Community Conversation
As the planning progresses, the city is taking steps to ensure the community stays informed. There’s another public hearing scheduled for next Tuesday at 6 p.m. where residents can gather to discuss their thoughts and concerns. This meeting will also coincide with a council gathering where further discussions about the Water Walk project will occur.
As residents continue to weigh the pros and cons of this exciting yet contentious proposal, it’s clear that the future of Lake Murray is at a pivotal crossroads. Whatever the outcome, the conversations happening now will help shape the character of the community for years to come.
