The Town of Irmo is working on finalizing a blueprint for the future.

At the Oct. 15 meeting, Irmo Town Council gave first reading approval to the adoption of a comprehensive plan designed to assure positive growth for Irmo over the next 15 years, government officials say.

It’s a plan that’s been under study for the past several months and has included a lot of public input about what a future Irmo should be, with an emphasis on parks, public safety, greenery, traffic, road maintenance and neighborhood development.

The council heard a final presentation on the project from the Stewart and Bordeaux consulting firm that helped develop the plan.

The consultant said the plan aims to assure residents will think of Irmo as a welcoming place they will love to call home.

The consultant went through a list of planned improvements that includes redevelopment of aging shopping centers, tree plantings, upgrades to streets, including signage, and historical spots that could include a “history room” in the planned new town hall, according to the town's website.

“This plan will address present and anticipated growth in a manner that ensures Irmo maintains citizens' desired small-town appeal while addressing current needs and development pressures. This Comprehensive Plan is anticipated as a full, ten-year revision, including a new Future Land Use Map, as mandated by the State of South Carolina, rather than a standard five-year data update.”

Council members voiced positive support for the project, which was developed over the past year with numerous meetings and workshops.

The town already has plans for a new $5 million town hall, which is still under review.

Irmo has a history of growth. Known as “The Gateway to Lake Murray,” the town was recognized in 2018 as “One of the Safest Cities in South Carolina” and by Money Magazine in 2007 as the 12th “Most Affordable Place to Live in the Country.”

It’s the home of the Lexington-Richland School District 5, considered one of the best in the state.

In other action at the Oct. 15 meeting, council gave second and final reading approval to the development agreement for the long-debated Water Walk development after some final adjustments were approved in an amendment presented by Councilman Erik Sickinger.

The $65 million project along the shores of Lake Murray would include up to 550 homes, shops, restaurants and a hotel.