By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council Tuesday gave first reading approval to the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan designed to assure a positive growth for Irmo for the next 15 years.
It’s a plan that’s been under study for the past several months and has included a lot of public input about what a future Irmo should be, with an emphasis on parks, public safety, greenery, traffic, road maintenance and positive neighborhood development.
The council heard a final presentation on the project from the Stewart and Bordreaux consulting firm that helped develop the plan.
The consultant said the plan hopes to assure residents will think of Irmo as a welcome place they will love to call “home”.
The consultant went through a list of planned improvements that include redevelopment of aging shopping centers, tree plantings, upgrading of streets, new street signage, historic spots that could include a “history room” in the planned new town hall.
Council members voiced positive support for the project, which was developed over the past year with numerous meetings and workshops.
In other action the council gave second and final reading approval to the development agreement for the long-debated Water Walk development after some final adjustments were approved in an amendment presented by Councilman Erik Sickinger.
The $150 million project along the shores of Lake Murray would include up to 550 homes, shops, restaurants and a hotel.
In other action the council authorized the sale of a portion of town property located at 7815 Broad River Road to Richland County in the amount of $85,100. The sale was made to assist Richland County in the widening of U.S. Highway 76.
The council also approved a grant award agreement with the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism in the amount of $500,000 towards the new Town Hall Project.
The council also approved grants from the S.C. Department of Public Safety of $8,265 for the purchase of police video cameras and $14,580 for police body cameras.
The council agreed to refund base fees paid by food vendors, exhibitors and sponsors after the cancellation of The Okra Strut Festival. Total refunds are expected to amount to around $25,000.
The council approved a resolution providing revenue generated from the Accommodations Tax requested by Capital City/Lake Murray Country, the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce, Irmo Future Growth, the Irmo International Festival, and the Irmo Okra Strut.
Theresa Miley State Farm was recognized as the October 2024 Small Business of the Month.
During the School Showcase session, the council heard a presentation on Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet School from Interim Principal Angie Slatton.
During the Community Connections session, Councilwoman Barb Waldman announced the following upcoming events: Escolares Pathway Meeting, Oc. 17; Rawls Creek Ribbon Cutting, Oct. 18; Hush No More Walk, Oct. 19; Sign Language Class, Oct. 20; Palmetto Journey of Hope, Oct. 24; Gala for Growth, Oct 24; Haunted Theatre, Oct. 25-26; and a long list of Halloween events.
The following new in-town businesses were recognized: Violette Adams Counseling, LLC, 7825 Broad River Road, STE 200; Lise Luxe Beauty/ Cory Hardy, 1180 Dutch Fork Road, STE C; Peaceful Pause Healing, LLC., 7825 Broad River Road, STE 200; Brandi Blake Designs, 61 Antique Rose Court; M. P. Williams Massage Therapy, LLC., 7520 Irmo Drive.
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