Exciting Development on the Horizon for Irmo, South Carolina!
Irmo, S.C. is buzzing with excitement as the Town Council recently gave the green light for a major new development project known as the Water Walk. Spanning an impressive 64 acres located at the intersection of Dreher Shoals Road, Muskrat Run, and Salem Church Road, this project promises to bring a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational opportunities to the area.
A Glimpse Into the Water Walk
The Water Walk is set to include nearly 550 residential units, along with commercial spaces and a charming boutique hotel. How cool is that? This development isn’t just about adding more buildings; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for residents living nearby. According to Doug Polen, the Assistant Town Administrator, this project is crucial for shaping the future of the 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 stated.
The Approval Process
After some back and forth, the rezoning request has finally been approved. Developers now have the task of purchasing the land and obtaining the necessary permits before breaking ground. The council approved two essential ordinances: one being the development agreement, which aims to ensure the project meets specific needs outlined by the town, and the other rezoning the land from general residential, general commercial, and fringe agriculture to mixed-use development. Polen emphasized the importance of planning ahead: “We might as well be a good location to land rather than a location that’s fighting off people from coming in.”
This project has certainly had its challenges. It was initially voted down back in September but has since been modified based on feedback from the planning commission. The developers, Material Capital Partners, took just a month to revise their plans before the council voted again. “That’s why we have two readings,” Polen explained, “so that we can catch mistakes and clarify issues. We know this project will take 5-10 years to complete, so we want to solve potential problems now.”
Addressing Community Concerns
While many residents are looking forward to the new opportunities Water Walk will bring, some have voiced concerns, particularly regarding traffic. One resident even filed a lawsuit, claiming that the town had overstepped its bounds when it allowed developers to make changes after an initial denial. However, the town has assured citizens that a comprehensive traffic study will be conducted, and developers will be responsible for any necessary road improvements to handle the expected increase in traffic.
Polen acknowledged the worries, stating that developers are committed to working closely with the town to find the best solutions. They plan to limit construction vehicle activity to specific times and will suggest measures like roundabouts based on experiences from other communities.
What’s Next for Water Walk?
As part of the development agreement, the developers are required to provide annual updates on the project’s progress. Polen explained that while the development is anticipated to take 5 to 10 years to construct, ongoing discussions and updates will keep the community informed. “We will begin the site planning and studies and start the entitlement process. Once we get through those, we should have a clearer picture of the project timeline,” he added.
In a message of transparency, Alex Chalmers from Material Capital Partners echoed this commitment by stating, “We will be posting regular updates on the public project website we built for transparency with the community.” It’s clear that both the council and the developers are eager to engage with residents throughout this exciting journey.
In summary, the Water Walk project is not just about rooftops and businesses; it aims to create a vibrant community hub that blends living, shopping, and leisure. While there are hurdles to overcome, the collaborative spirit of Irmo’s leadership and its residents is paving the way for a brighter future.
