IRMO, S.C. — A proposed development in Lexington County has become a hot topic in Irmo.
The project, which could bring hundreds of homes, retail spaces, and more, has garnered mixed reactions from residents.
"It's just gonna be bad all around," says Irmo resident Jessica Meetze.
On the other hand, Steve Fisher, another Irmo resident, sees potential: "I think it's about time, and the no-growthers I'm sure are upset, but we've got a great location and a great opportunity for development,".
The proposed Water Walk project is planned for Dreher Shoals Road. Some residents fear it will exacerbate traffic issues on the already busy Highway 6. "My only concern is Highway 6 here and traffic; the traffic is terrible now," said Monica Kendrick, who works in Irmo.
We reached out to Material Capital Partners, the development group behind the project, but they declined an interview and referred us to their website. The Water Walk project is described as a multigenerational community with residential, retail, and hospitality components.
Spanning 65 acres off Dreher Shoals Road, the development aims to include a maximum of 550 residential units, such as detached single-family homes, townhomes, and senior living facilities.
"I've got 3.5 years left as mayor in my original term, and if we move dirt prior to three years, I would be shocked," says Irmo Mayor, Bill Danielson.
Mayor Danielson outlined the steps required to bring the proposal to fruition: "The first step basically is a development agreement, and that development agreement has come over to us I think it came over maybe Friday and it's a big document. Step two is having other public hearings for them in the interim we will have a Planning Commission meeting, and they will vote yay or nay. Step three DOT highway improvement, road infrastructure, no earth will be moved unless that road is widened," he explained.
"There are positives and negatives, but it's not going to go away," he added.
Mayor Danielson adds that the Central Midlands Council of Government will be doing a traffic study on Highway 6.
