In a 3-2 vote on July 21, the Irmo Town Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone 22 acres of land off Columbiana Drive for the development of a 318-unit apartment complex. 

Mayor Bill Danielson and Councilmembers Mike Ward and Barb Waldman voted in favor of the rezoning, while Councilmembers Gabriel Penfield and Phyllis Coleman opposed the decision. 

Deputy Town Administrator Nicholle Burroughs said the town’s planning commission recommended the development move forward contingent on changes to traffic routes.

Long Key Development representatives were present to explain the value of the new apartment complex and answer questions from the council. Seth Peterson clarified an exact number of 318 units and noted that this was below the capacity based on the number of acres available. 

“This is the highest and best use of the property,” Peterson said. 

New developments in the proposed layout of the complex have been added to direct traffic out of the complex toward Columbiana Drive rather than smaller roads like College Street and Battery Road. The trash compactor, clubhouse and mailbox locations were shifted to the Columbiana exit to encourage its use. Long Key also plans to add full right turn lanes in and out of the complex on Columbiana to maintain the flow of traffic. 

Todd Anderson, a senior project manager for the Traffic Group, said studies conducted on the area have shown no impact on traffic conditions and recommended no changes in the complex’s plans. The changes made to the apartment layout are a way to ensure traffic doesn't worsen.

Councilmember Phyllis Coleman, who voted against the rezoning request, said she has a different vision of what Irmo should look like.

A second reading of the ordinance will need to be approved in a future council meeting for the development to begin.