Tension between the local government and residents of Irmo neighborhoods continues as crime rates remain high in and around the Harbison Gardens apartment complex. 

The crime rates in the complex – located at 401 Columbiana Dr., just over Irmo’s border with the City of Columbia – came to the town’s attention a few years ago when residents began attending council workshops to discuss the increased crime spilling into Irmo.

But much of the crime is not happening in Irmo, it’s happening under the jurisdiction of Columbia in Richland County. 

“It's a tough situation when we can’t directly handle the problem … but the crime is spilling into our neighborhoods,” Town Council Member Bill Danielson told the Chronicle. “So, we have to be concerned and we have to do something, even if it’s just diplomatic.”

On Aug. 30, the town of Irmo received a letter from the local law firm Gallivan, White and Boyd responding to initial contact Irmo made in June of this year. The letter was discussed at the town's regularly scheduled workshop on Sept. 5.

According to the letter, on July 19 the complex met with City of Columbia stakeholders and the city’s police chief, Skip Holbrook, to discuss a remediation plan and any progress the complex had already made. 

The letter, a copy of which was provided to the Chronicle by the town, lists the current efforts being made by the complex including reducing vegetation, updating previously installed cameras, hiring of a patrol guard, adding a required code of conduct and possibly adding a gate to the community. 

According to the letter, the complex began patrols earlier this year when an on-site courtesy officer from the Columbia Police Department began living there. The officer's role includes conducting resident functions, evaluating and proposing security enhancements and conducting daily foot patrols.

The letter notes that both Columbia Police and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department have increased their hours on site by conducting walk-ins and drive-through patrols. In addition to the increased law enforcement presence, the complex has also retained its own security vendor in Gibson Security, which patrols the site with a patrol car and armed guard present on Friday and Saturday nights and alternating weekday evenings.

The complex has also ceased using its rear entrance gate located near Harbison West Elementary School, which is an area of high concern for the residents due its close proximity to the school. To increase security of the main entrance, the complex reached out to the City of Columbia and local fire marshalls about adding a gated entrance.

“Harbison Gardens required all residents to sign updated leases, house rules and addendums to ensure all residents are following the same, and most up to date, community policies,” the letter states. “Harbison Gardens holds guests and visitors to the same standards as leaseholders.”

According to officials, the exact contents of this code of conduct are unknown.

The Chronicle reached out to management at Harbison Gardens for comment but did not receive a response. 

The letter from the apartment complex is considered a small win by council, according to Danielson. 

“At least its movement, but it’s hard to be optimistic,” Danielson said. 

Council acknowledged that Irmo still plans to work with the City of Columbia and the apartment complex to solve the problems.

Despite the efforts being made by Harbison Gardens, council is worried it’s not enough to actually affect the crime rates.

“There’s still a lot to be done and we’re hopeful, but it’ll take time,” said Council Member Erik Sickinger during the Sept. 5 workshop.

“Richland County and Lexington County also have authority in that area depending on which side of the line you're on,” said Danielson. “The City of Columbia is responsible for Harbison Gardens. But those lines go straight through neighborhoods.”