IRMO, S.C. (WIS) – A lakefront development project known as the Retreat at Lake Murray is causing a stir among the community. The project is a planned multi-use development spanning 64 acres, to be situated at the intersection of Dreher Shoals Road, Salem Church Road, and Muskrat Run.
“All of us are concerned about the traffic,” said Irmo resident Alicia Snow.
The Town of Irmo says the project is being proposed by Material Capital Partners. Snow lives around the corner from where the proposed retreat is expected to be built. She says she has some concerns.
Specifically, Snow is concerned about how construction would add to the already existing traffic in her neighborhood.
“We have a nice, wooded area that’s going to be torn down and there’s just going to be way too many people, way too much traffic,” Snow said, “It’s going to bring two to four cars per home I’m sure, so that’s just going to add so much traffic that no one’s happy about it.”
Irmo resident Adam Melendez shares those same thoughts about overcrowding, but also feels creating additional housing isn’t the worst idea.
“I would have to say I’m all for housing, but I would prefer if they built actual housing over places that you could rent.”
Irmo resident Melinda Ray feels it could make the area more congested, put a strain on emergency services, and impact schools.
“Our schools are now overcrowded and they’re trying to bring Chapin students back into the Dutch Fork area,” Ray said “So, imagine having this big development on this road. It’s irresponsible for them to even approve the project.”
According to the Town of Irmo’s website, residents will have a chance to voice some of these concerns at a public meeting on Thursday, June 20th, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Town of Irmo’s Municipal Building. Representatives from the project will be there to discuss the development and answer questions.
WIS previously reported, “the project aims to deliver 100+ homes alongside Lake Murray. Court documents show the development project would add varied housing types along the Lake, including duplexes and estate homes in Irmo.”
WIS also previously stated, “Benjamin Nicholason, an attorney representing the Retreat at Lake Murray, said in a statement to WIS Kevin Connelly, who owns the development company, “already has a number of permits approved for the development and hopes to begin clearing land late this summer.”
The information above does not pertain to the proposed development project called the Retreat at Lake Murray at the intersection of Dreher Shoals Road, Salem Church Road, and Muskrat Run.
The previously reported information pertains to another proposed development by The Retreat at Lake Murray, LLC, at the intersection of Beaver Creek Road and U.S. 378 West in Lexington County.
The two projects are not affiliated.