A proposed 318 unit apartment complex received the green light with a final reading at the Irmo Town Council meeting on Tuesday, August 18. The Carolina Flats Apartments will be located on 22 acres in an old mining site on Columbiana Drive near Woodspring Suites.
“We heard you and we listened,” said Seth Peterson of Long Key Developments. “We have made major updates to address your objections.” Traffic was a major problem concern for citizens even though SC DOT said there would be no major road improvements needed. After hearing complaints about traffic during their first presentation project developers decided to instal a left turn lane into the complex that can hold up to 6 cars and a deceleration lane on the right hand turn into the drive. This would eliminate backups along Columbiana Drive.
Peterson told council that complaints about not having a substantial buffer were addressed and the berm and setback for the buffer would go beyond the 75 ft. requirement. Some citizens were concerned about traffic on Battery Rd. in Old Friarsgate subdivision which would lead into the complex. Peterson told council that an iron gate would be added and outfitted with a Knox Box which only allows first responders to gain access to the grounds. An earlier traffic study said there would be little impact on intersections around the complex. Developers stated that the site was leveled decades ago and that they would not be taking out trees but adding to them…