By Al Dozier
At a work session Tuesday the Irmo Town Council reviewed a list of final adjustments and changes to the recently approved Water Walk Ordinance which was approved on first reading at the Sept. 17 meeting.
The proposed $150 million development would occupy land along Dreher Shoals Road, and include more than 500 to 550 residences and townhouses along the shores of Lake Murray. Plans also call for 13 acres of commercial space that would include dining and retail options.
At the Sept. 17 meeting, The Irmo Town Council gave first reading approval to a development agreement ordinance after changes were made in the original proposal, and to the rezoning of 11 properties totaling 65.12 acres from General Commercial, General Residential and Fringe Agricultural to Mixed Use. The two ordinances will require a second reading for final approval.
The new changes recommended at the work session will be introduced as an amendment to the ordinance when it comes up for second reading.
These are some of the changes proposed by the Irmo town staff, according to a presentation by Assistant Town Administrator Doug Polen: the development will include one acre of buildable land directly accessible to an outside road that will provide for a new fire station; a section will be added to the plan describing the widening and improvement of Muskrat Run from Salem Church Road to the southernmost entrance of the Water Walk. The development agreement should state that the project will be completed by 2034 instead of 2035; Mayor Danielson and Mayor Pro-Tem Sickinger were adamant about installing a 50-feet buffer along the residences of Emerald Cove rather than a 25-feet buffer; a section will be added stating that no truck or heavy equipment traffic will be allowed on Dreher Shoals road during peak traffic times; the developer will provide an annual review of the project on July 1 of each year.
Polen said the proposed changes will be sent to the developer for a final review before the council vote.
Council members expressed support for the changes. Councilwoman Phyllis Coleman said she would like to see a lower ratio of rentals for the property. Polen said he would consider possible changes affecting the rental numbers.
In another discussion at the workshop the council agreed to consider a new town website that would be identified as “IrmoCharm”. The site would promote hospitality locations in the Irmo area and would help promote restaurant and entertainment locations. The council is currently working with a website designer to present a final plan on the site.
The council was also informed that they received ten proposals for Traffic Impact Analysis studies and after review one will be chosen for the study.
