IRMO, S.C. — A proposed multi-family development off Shady Grove Lane in Irmo is moving to town council after the planning commission voted Monday night to recommend rezoning more than 67 acres.
If ultimately approved, the development could include about 200 apartment units.
For nearby resident Bryan Murdaugh, the main concern is ensuring any new development fits with the character of the existing neighborhood and does not create safety issues.
“I think my primary concern is that we keep the sort of the character of the community and then keep, you know, keep the road safe, keep the kids safe on the school buses that we’re really making sure that we do all the diligence required to make sure that what this is proposed to be is actually going to be good for the community,” Murdaugh said.
Murdaugh said he lives about 250 feet from the proposed entrance to the development.
After learning about the project last week, he started an online petition to raise awareness and gather support from neighbors. By the time Monday’s planning commission meeting began, the petition had collected 650 signatures.
“I started sending out messages and to, to family and friends and people in the neighborhood, posted the Facebook and Nextdoor and all the sort of the usual suspects, um, and we wound up by the, by the time I got here we had 650 signatures,” Murdaugh said.
The planning commission’s vote does not approve the project, but it does send the rezoning request to the Irmo Town Council for further consideration.
The next step is a public information meeting on May 18, where residents will be able to speak directly with the developer.
The first reading before town council is scheduled for May 19, followed by a public hearing and second reading on June 16.
Murdaugh said residents should remain engaged throughout the process.
“I think the important thing is for people to show up at as many of those events as possible people who care,” Murdaugh said.
Town officials say anyone with questions about the proposal can contact the Town of Irmo Planning Department or attend the upcoming public information meeting at the Irmo Municipal Building.