Irmo, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Irmo Town Council has approved a controversial expansion of the Water Walk development. This expansion includes an additional 22 acres, raising concerns about traffic and environmental impact from local residents. As part of the project, 240 homes and a boutique hotel are already planned, and discussions continue about additional housing types and improved infrastructure. The Planning Commission is set to review further details in October.
Irmo Town Council Approves Expansion of the Controversial Water Walk Development Amid Community Concerns
The Irmo Town Council has approved an expansion of the Water Walk development, which aims to add an additional 22 acres under contract across Dreher Shoals Road. The development, spearheaded by Material Capital Partners from Charleston, is facing community concerns regarding its impact on traffic and the surrounding environment.
This latest phase will be reviewed by the Town Planning Commission in October. The existing Water Walk plan includes 240 homes, 200 senior living apartments, a boutique hotel, and commercial space. The new expansion, however, has yet to disclose specific plans or the types of homes that may be built.
Currently, the proposed homes include mostly duplexes and townhomes, raising concerns among residents about increased density compared to traditional single-family residences. Assurances from Assistant Town Administrator Doug Polen suggest that modifications to the distribution of townhomes to larger lot configurations could occur.
Community concerns have mainly centered on fears of exacerbated traffic issues and environmental impacts on nearby Lake Murray. Data indicates that Dreher Shoals Road already accommodates an average of 16,000 vehicles per day. Residents are calling for better infrastructure to handle the anticipated increase, which may include traffic signals and turn lanes to alleviate hazardous conditions.
Despite the opposition, a lawsuit challenging the town’s approval process was dismissed, allowing for the continued progression of the development. Additionally, the Town Council recently approved rezoning requests for a 64-acre property adjacent to Dreher Shoals Road. This change will increase residential units to nearly 550 and add 90,000 square feet of commercial space to the area.
The Water Walk project is projected to take between 5 and 10 years to complete, with various environmental studies and site assessments to be conducted prior to any construction. As part of the development agreement, plans for a new fire station have also been proposed, although the location remains undetermined.
Community opinions are divided; while some residents advocate for lower density and reduced commercial expansion, others acknowledge the economic growth potential that such developments could bring. The town has a long-term growth strategy outlined in its Vision 2035 plan, which seeks to balance development with community needs.
As discussions continue, the upcoming Planning Commission meeting will be crucial in addressing resident concerns and refining the development plans before moving forward.
Key Features of Water Walk Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dreher Shoals Road, Irmo |
| Current Units | 240 homes, 200 senior living apartments |
| Proposed Expansion | 22 additional acres under contract |
| Residential Density | Mostly duplexes and townhomes |
| Commercial Space | 90,000 square feet planned |
| Traffic Concerns | 16,000 vehicles on Dreher Shoals Road daily |
| Duration of Construction | 5-10 years |
FAQ
What is the Water Walk Development?
The Water Walk Development is a planned residential and commercial project in Irmo that currently includes 240 homes, 200 senior living apartments, and additional commercial space.
What are the primary concerns of residents?
Residents are primarily concerned about increased traffic, the impact on Lake Murray, and the density of the proposed housing compared to single-family homes.
What actions did the Irmo Town Council take?
The Town Council approved the expansion of the Water Walk Development and rezoning for an adjacent property to allow for increased residential units and commercial space.
When will the Planning Commission review the proposal?
The Town Planning Commission will review the latest proposal in October.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Irmo Water Walk Development Expansion
- The State: Controversial Irmo Development Moves Forward
- WIS TV: Irmo Water Walk Development Update
- Post and Courier: Irmo Lake Murray Water Walk Development
- The State: Local Crime News
- Wikipedia: Urban Development
- Google Search: Irmo Water Walk development
- Google Scholar: Irmo Water Walk development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
- Google News: Irmo Water Walk development
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