Irmo, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Irmo Town Council has approved the expansion of the Water Walk development to include an additional 22 acres. The project, initially approved in 2023, aims to add 462 residential units and 90,000 square feet of commercial space. However, local residents have raised concerns regarding traffic management and environmental impacts due to increased population density. Further plans will be reviewed in October, and the project is expected to take five to ten years to complete.
Irmo – The Irmo Town Council has approved the expansion of the controversial Water Walk development, which will now include an additional 22 acres across Dreher Shoals Road. This decision was made during a council meeting on Tuesday, where council members were briefed on the new acquisition by Material Capital Partners, the developers behind the project. However, specific details regarding the plans for these newly acquired acres have not yet been disclosed by the developers.
The proposed plans will be reviewed by the Town Planning Commission in October, paving the way for potential changes and further developments. The original Water Walk project was approved in 2023 and comprises 462 residential units along with 90,000 square feet of commercial space. The initial proposal notably includes 240 homes, primarily in the form of duplexes and townhomes, as well as 200 apartments that focus on a senior living facility, a boutique hotel, and commercial area.
Despite the ambition behind the Water Walk development, it has encountered opposition from local residents who fear that the increased population density will strain the area’s infrastructure, particularly concerning traffic and environmental impacts. Concerns surrounding the adequacy of current residential roads in handling a surge in traffic have been raised, with local residents fearing that the development could result in congested roads and additional hazards.
Irmo Assistant Town Administrator Doug Polen indicated that the development remains adaptable, expressing optimism that modifications can be made to the types of homes offered, potentially adjusting the ratio of townhomes to larger lots. Nevertheless, mixed feelings persist among residents, particularly regarding the density of homes proposed and whether they comply with existing town regulations.
Traffic management is another persistent issue linked to the Water Walk project. The South Carolina Department of Transportation indicates that road improvements may be necessary to accommodate the projected increases in traffic on Dreher Shoals Road, which currently experiences an average of 16,000 vehicles daily. One resident raised alarms about the traffic hazards posed by the development’s single entrance, advocating for essential infrastructure improvements such as turn lanes and traffic signal installations.
The legal landscape around the development has also been tumultuous, with previous lawsuits aiming to challenge the town’s approval of the Water Walk project, though these suits have been dismissed. In the broader community, residents in unincorporated Ballentine have expressed skepticism towards Irmo’s annexation strategies, arguing that it sidesteps established Richland County zoning regulations.
This latest expansion is expected to have a timeline of five to ten years for completion, with updates planned to be shared with the Irmo Town Council and made available on a dedicated public project website. Property owners in the surrounding areas are encouraged to consider joining Irmo, as this may provide enhanced public services compared to the offerings in Richland County. Nonetheless, the overarching concerns about traffic management and the developmental strain on local infrastructure remain at the forefront of ongoing community discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Water Walk development?
The Water Walk development is a project in Irmo that includes a mix of residential units, specifically 462 residential units and 90,000 square feet of commercial space, along with a senior living facility and a boutique hotel.
What is the significance of the recent approval by the Irmo Town Council?
The Irmo Town Council approved the acquisition of an additional 22 acres for the Water Walk development, which indicates potential for expansion in both residential and commercial offerings.
What concerns do residents have about the development?
Residents have expressed concerns regarding increased traffic on local roads, density of the proposed housing, and potential environmental impacts on Lake Murray.
When will further plans for the development be reviewed?
The Town Planning Commission is scheduled to review the new plans in October.
How long will the Water Walk development take to complete?
The development is projected to take five to ten years to complete.
Key Features of the Water Walk Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Residential Units | 462 total units including 240 homes and 200 apartments |
| Commercial Space | 90,000 square feet allocated for commercial use |
| Additional Land Acquired | 22 acres recently purchased for further expansion |
| Density Concerns | Majority of homes are proposed as duplexes and townhomes |
| Traffic Impact | Current road handles 16,000 vehicles daily; traffic management under review |
| Timeline for Completion | Estimated 5 to 10 years for overall development |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Irmo Water Walk Development Expansion
- Wikipedia: Water Walk
- The State: Irmo Development Updates
- Google Search: Irmo Water Walk Development
- WISTV: Controversial Irmo Development Moves Forward
- Google Scholar: Irmo Water Walk
- Post and Courier: Irmo Lake Murray Water Walk Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Irmo, South Carolina
- The State: Local Crime News
- Google News: Irmo Water Walk
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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