Irmo town council members approved a first reading that could potentially annex 21.8 acres of land on Dreher Shoals Road, creating what staff is calling Water Walk East.

The proposed plan aims to extend the Water Walk, which was approved in November 2024. The original Water Walk was described as “a conceptual idea for a new mixed-use community in Irmo, SC adjacent to Lake Murray with residential neighborhoods, retail, and senior living. It will feature a network of interconnected green spaces, pocket parks, and amenities, and is intended to be a vibrant live-play destination.”

In the 2024 plan, 550 residential units and 150,000 square feet of commercial use were approved by council members.

At the recent meeting, Deputy Town Administrator Doug Polen said that the latest concept map shows 456 residential units and 90,000 square feet on the land. The applicant is proposing rezoning and plans to include 80 additional residential units and 20,000 square feet, bringing the total development to 536 residential units and 110,000 square feet of commercial use.

Polen said that developers are not asking to increase the size of the project but to redistribute what has already been approved.

The proposed zoning would turn the land into mixed-use, allowing residential and commercial developments. 

Irmo staff recommended council members approve the first reading, stating the “project would extend the water walk development in a manner that does not increase the number of residential units or commercial square footage.” 

If approved by final reading, developers must follow the town's ordinances. Some rules include no more than 80 residential units per section, an average building height of 24 feet, a minimum side distance between residential structures of 20 feet, a minimum of 2.1 parking spaces per unit and more. 

Buffer and design conditions would also apply.

Residential units must be sold at market rate to individual homebuyers, not businesses engaged in real estate; renters and homebuyers are limited to one unit at the initial sale.

The document also calls for an annual evaluation by the zoning administrator, including project progress and benchmarks. 

Traffic is a major concern for residents, who have already expressed worries about congestion on Dreher Shoals Road.

“The issues are traffic and infrastructure that we’ve discussed that this unit doesn’t really fit here today now,” resident Henry Martin said during the public participation.

The document states developers are required to complete a traffic study to ensure new lanes, turn signals and lights meet the town standards. A project representative told council they have requested an updated traffic study. 

Town council members will meet for a workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 6, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Irmo Municipal Building, located at 7300 Woodrow St.