By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council Tuesday approved a zoning change that will clear the way for a new 67-acre sports site that would bring volleyball and basketball conference games to Irmo.
The vote did not come without some opposition from local residents who fear traffic backups around the site on Shady Grove Road. But supporters of the new venue praised the move as a badly needed site in an area of the Midlands that lacks space for large sports gatherings.
One resident said traffic back-up is already a problem around the intersection of Broad River Road and Dutch Fork Road and would get far worse with people driving to new sports events. Another resident complained that residents of the community did not receive enough advance notice of the project and should have the opportunity for more input.
However, representatives of area volleyball teams voiced strong support for the project and urged council approval.
Sue Dillon, director of the Lake Murray Volleyball Club, said volleyball is a major sport for girls in high school and the need for such a facility in the Irmo area is “immense.”
The council was advised that Irmo could expect to see new revenues of nearly $12 million a year from all of the activities at the site.
Council members emphasized that Tuesday’s vote was for a zoning change, not an endorsement of the project. A final plan for the site will have to go through reviews and compliance regulations.
The development will be undertaken by the sports organization, SC Kings.
The sports center is expected to include a fitness center, climbing course, after-school tutoring area, eight basketball courts and 16 volleyball courts. The site could also include restaurants and a hotel.
At the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting, newly elected councilman Gabriel Penfield was officially sworn into office. Penfield defeated George Frazier in a special election on Feb. 27 to fill the council seat formerly held by Mayor Bill Danielson.
The council gave final reading approval to an ordinance that will create an “events committee” to advise the council on the various events celebrated throughout the Irmo area.
The council gave a second and final reading to an ordinance to rezone a one-acre site at 900 Lake Murray Boulevard from Neighborhood Commercial to General Commercial. The site is already surrounded by general commercial properties.
The council also gave a final reading to an ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission to add “negotiated zoning districts” for certain areas.
In other action, the council approved a lease agreement for a new “Irmo Town Clock” to be located at the corner of Lake Murray Boulevard and Woodrow Street. The clock, which will be more than 15 feet tall, will be celebrated with formal a ribbon-cutting in the next few weeks.
The council made two new appointments to the Irmo Planning Commission. Richard Scoggins and Jeff Allen were approved by a unanimous vote. Two appointments were also made to the Irmo Board of Zoning Appeals: Marsha Clarke and Walter Lindler.
The council proclaimed March as “Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, with a special recognition of those suffering from hemophilia.
The council proclaimed March 23 as Cherry Blossom Day with a celebration scheduled for the seventh annual event at the Town Park.
The council also recognized Steve Livingston of Dems Jewelry, who is retiring after more than 50 years of service.
The council received an update on the Irmo International Festival, which is scheduled April 28 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Community Park of Irmo.
The council also heard a presentation from the SC Philharmonic, which is planning its inaugural “Music in My Neighborhood” program in the Irmo area from April 8 to April 13. It’s an immersive community initiative aimed at bringing a week of free ensemble performances, educational programs, and unique collaborations to different Midlands neighborhoods each year. A full orchestra performance will take place at the Community Park Amphitheater on Saturday, April 13 at 3 p.m.
Poore House Furnishings was recognized as the March 2024 Business of the Month. Owner Beth Poore, accompanied by family members, received the award certificate.
Upcoming events cited during the Community Connections session included: LexRich 5Shatter the Screen, a program on Social Media at Dutch Fork; Bands of Irmo mattress sale fundraiser, March 23; “Easter Extravaganza,” hosted by ARISE Church at the Irmo Community Park on Sunday, March 31 at 10:30 .m.; McGregor Presbyterian Earth Day, April 22.
During the School Showcase, the council received a presentation on Leaphart Elementary School’s STEAM Magnet program.
New in-town businesses recognized during the meeting included: Cheesy Pint, 7424 North Lake Drive; Faceplant Skin Studio, 7520 Irmo Drive; Grace Caregivers, 1494 Lake Murray Blvd.
