Lawsuit challenging Lake Murray development dismissed, clearing way for 500 homes
A lawsuit challenging the town of Irmo’s approval of a 500-home housing development is done.
Judge Mark Hayes on Thursday dismissed the suit Irmo resident Adam Raynor brought in August challenging whether the town followed its own procedures in approving the construction of the Water Walk development near Lake Murray.
Raynor had brought his suit to block the Irmo Planning Commission from reconsidering its initial rejection of the 65-acre, 550-home development off Dreher Shoals Road. Irmo Town Council later gave its approval to a revised version of the plan, after a Richland County court rejected Raynor’s move to block consideration of the revised plan. But Raynor continued with his suit, arguing the town’s approval process was improper.
He contended that under town ordinance, after a project is rejected, a developer has to wait 12 months before submitting a new proposal for the site. Irmo attorney Will Edwards argued that the review process isn’t complete until the town council makes a decision on the planning commission’s recommendation, and that revisions to a proposal are allowed during the process.
Judge Hayes ultimately rejected Raynor’ suit because it was brought against the town but not the Water Walk developer, Material Capital Partners of Charleston, or the property owners of the development site. Those parties didn’t have the opportunity to argue for their own interests in the site’s development, Hayes said. He also said Raynor had not exhausted the town’s own zoning appeals process before filing suit.
The end of the lawsuit removes what might be the last barrier to developers creating the Water Walk neighborhood, even as nearby residents have raised concerns about increased traffic on surrounding residential streets and the potential impact on the lake. The proposal calls for roughly 280 single-family homes and townhomes and 220 senior-living units, along with commercial space to include dining and retail options as well as a small boutique hotel with a maximum of 75 rooms.
Irmo officials argue the plan is the best way for the area to develop, as another developer could potentially build up to 700 apartment units under the town’s current zoning without needing further approval from the town.
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 1:54 PM.
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