Irmo, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Irmo Town Council is set to discuss the proposed expansion of the $65 million Water Walk development, which could add 22 acres and up to 550 residential units. Local residents have raised concerns about traffic issues related to the single entrance of the development. Suggestions for traffic alleviation include new turn lanes and traffic signals. The meeting is open to the public and aims to address these critical infrastructure concerns while considering community sentiments regarding annexation.
Irmo Town Council to Discuss Expansion of $65 Million Water Walk Development Amid Traffic Concerns
The Town of Irmo is set to evaluate the proposed expansion of the $65 million Water Walk development at an upcoming council work session on Tuesday at 6 p.m. This meeting will focus on a request from the developer to annex an additional 22 acres across Highway 6, increasing the total development area to nearly 90 acres.
Initially approved in 2023, the Water Walk project plans to include 462 residential units along with 90,000 square feet of commercial space on a 65-acre site near Salem Church Road. The development design features a range of living arrangements, which encompasses duplexes, townhouses, senior living apartments, and various retail spaces positioned among wetlands and green areas.
Concerns regarding existing hazardous traffic have been raised by local residents, with Richard Ferrier highlighting the issues stemming from the single entrance currently serving the development. Suggestions to alleviate traffic complications include the addition of turn lanes, traffic circles, and new traffic signals. Irmo’s Deputy Administrator, Douglas Polen, pointed out that the annexation request remains at an early stage, with no conceptual maps ready for public review yet.
In addition to traffic concerns, there is a strong sentiment among some local property owners who prefer to annex into Irmo. They believe that this transition would grant them improved local services, such as fire and police, compared to what is offered by Richland County. However, significant opposition emerges from residents in nearby Ballentine, who accuse Irmo of sidestepping Richland County zoning rules through the annexation.
Henry Martin, a resident from Ballentine, expressed frustration over Irmo’s annexation policies and has called for a boycott of the town’s businesses and events. The expansion of the Water Walk project will likely become a pivotal point of contention, particularly regarding traffic infrastructure. Prior discussions of the project have seen adjustments after a rezoning request was denied in August 2024.
The updated development plans may increase the total number of residential units to 550, with a mix of single-family homes, senior living options, and ample commercial space. The council recognizes traffic infrastructure as a critical element of this discussion, with anticipated solutions potentially including road widenings and the installation of new traffic signals along Dreher Shoals Road.
To manage current traffic conditions during construction, there is a temporary plan in place to restrict construction vehicle movements to designated times. Developers are mandated to provide periodic status updates on the Water Walk project and to abide by town regulations to ensure transparency throughout the process. The Irmo Town Council’s meeting is open to the public, allowing concerned citizens to engage directly with the discussions surrounding this significant development.
Key Features of the Water Walk Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 90 acres |
| Residential Units | Up to 550 |
| Commercial Space | 90,000 square feet |
| Types of Residential Options | Duplexes, townhouses, senior living apartments, single-family homes |
| Environmental Design | Includes wetlands and green areas |
| Traffic Concerns | Single entrance, proposals for turn lanes, traffic circles, and signals |
| Annexation Status | Request for 22 acres under consideration |
FAQ
What is the Water Walk development?
The Water Walk development is a $65 million project in Irmo that includes residential units and commercial space, designed to incorporate various living arrangements and community facilities.
When will the Irmo Town Council discuss the expansion?
The Irmo Town Council will discuss the Water Walk expansion during a work session on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
What are the main traffic concerns related to the project?
Residents are concerned about hazardous traffic conditions due to the project’s single entrance and have proposed improvements such as turn lanes and traffic signals to enhance safety and flow.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Irmo Water Walk Development Expansion
- Wikipedia
- WIS TV: Controversial Irmo Development Moves Forward
- Google Search: Irmo Water Walk Development
- Post and Courier: Irmo Lake Murray Water Walk Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Irmo Development
- WLTX: Controversial $65 Million Development Advances
- Google News: Irmo Water Walk
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