LAKE MURRAY SHORES, S.C. — A controversial development near Lake Murray is progressing, potentially bringing hundreds of homes and commercial properties to the area.
The project, known as "Water Walk" has drawn mixed reactions from Irmo residents.
"My first thoughts, they’re cutting down enough trees out here, ya know, and we have wildlife that live in these forest areas, and then there’s enough traffic up here," said resident Theresa Rhoades.
However, not everyone opposes the plan. "I mean I think it’s a great idea overall. The lake is actually bringing more people in for the families and communities, in general, so I think it’s a good idea," said Ira Lee, another resident.
The Water Walk project is a conceptual plan for a mixed-use development, proposing a maximum of 550 residential units, including single-family homes, townhomes, senior living facilities, retail spaces, and hospitality venues, all located off Dreher Shoals Road.
The Irmo Planning Commission approved a rezoning request on Tuesday night for 65 acres from general residential to mixed-use development.
Mayor Bill Danielson explained that without the rezoning, the property could have accommodated up to 700 homes under the original residential zoning. "Is that something we would want? No, but we don’t have the power to stop things, so the best thing we can do to that property is mix-use this," said Danielson.
"Again all we’ve done with that zoning is allow the developer to move forward under their contract and to do more due diligence—one is a market study which will cost tens of thousands of dollars, a traffic analysis which will then cost tens of thousands of dollars," Danielson said. "There will be major investments made, and this project may still not happen."
There will be another public hearing next Tuesday at 6 p.m., along with a council meeting to further discuss the project.