Irmo council approves annexation of nearly 19 acres at Dreher Shoals and Dutch Fork Road amid resident objections

The Town of Irmo council voted on the second and final reading of Ordinance 25-11 to annex roughly 18.92 acres — including parcels listed as R03303-03-03, R03303-03-04 and R03302-01-11 — and rezone them from Richland County RT (residential transition) to CG (general commercial). The parcels sit southeast of the Walgreens at the intersection of Dreher Shoals Road and Dutch Fork Road.

The annexation drew multiple speakers during the public hearing who said the neighborhood would bear traffic and safety strains from additional commercial development. "I'm more concerned about the safety and the strains it's putting on public safety," said Adam Rayner, who gave his address as 1030 Old Town Road. Diana Harder said she has lived in the Ballantyne area for 40 years and asked council to "treat your neighbors in Ballantyne the way you would want to be treated." Joshua Taylor, who lives on Charing Cross Road, said the area has "already enough traffic" and that more development will cause "more accidents, more traffic jams." Henry Martin urged clearer signage and more outreach when property owners seek annexation.

Council debate focused on the town's comprehensive land-use plan, property owners' rights, and the need for more community input. "We have a comprehensive plan; it's a plan, not a dictate," said Councilman Penfield, who described weighing the long history of efforts to develop the property and the owners' right to sell. Councilwoman Coleman and others said they heard residents' concerns about process and urged improvements to public engagement; Coleman said she remains mindful of process concerns but voted in favor because the proposal is consistent with the town's land-use plan.

Mayor Danielson described his pro-growth mandate from voters while also saying the town will continue regulating quality of development. "I was elected mayor on a pro growth strategy," he said, adding that Irmo will use its ordinances and oversight to shape development.

Council called the roll after discussion. Lisa, the town clerk, recorded votes as: Ward — yes; Penfield — yes; Coleman — yes; Dr. Waldman — yes; Mayor Danielson — yes. The motion carried and the ordinance passed on second and final reading.

Details recorded in the ordinance and staff presentation indicate the annexation would bring the vacant property at the southeast corner of Dreher Shoals Road and Dutch Fork Road into town limits and reclassify zoning to CG. Council members repeatedly said subsequent site development would be subject to the town's permitting, zoning and design standards; several councilors said they would pursue additional overlay or architectural review approaches to address quality and neighborhood fit.

Residents asked the council to consider buffers, traffic mitigation and clearer notice when annexation or rezoning is proposed. Council members acknowledged those concerns and said they will consider process changes and potential overlay tools in future meetings.

The council's approval moves the parcels into Irmo jurisdiction; specific development proposals and site plans remain subject to separate reviews and approvals.