Irmo Council Approves Zoning Ordinance Amendment

Gas stations with or without convenience stores are now allowed to operate in neighborhood commercial areas of the town of Irmo. 

At town council's regular meeting this week, members voted 3-2 in favor of the amendment to the town's zoning ordinance.

Voting against the change were Kathy Condom and Mayor Hardy King. 

"I’m convinced this will not help the homeowner, it will not help the neighborhood and it won’t help to protect property values," Condom said. 

The amendment now opens the door for the Pit Stop/Burger King located on Broad River Road in Irmo to operate gas pumps, which several community members spoke out against prior to council voting and have spoken out against in previous years. 

"In voting yes to amend the proposed ordinance in question, you are not voting to make Irmo a better place and a safe place in which to live," said resident Elmer Danko. 

"You are voting yes to satisfy for whatever political reasons, only the business community and its people."

Opponents of the zoning ordinance amendment worried the change would impact their property values and noise levels.

"If you vote yes to amend this town ordinance, you are voting to weaken or even remove the town ordinance that protects our residential neighborhoods from businesses locating near or even in our residential community," Danko said. 

Justin Rutland, who spoke on behalf of the store's owner, said there were three benefits for the store to operate gas pumps including job creation and being a one stop shop for those in the area. 

Mayor Pro Tem Barry Walker said the amendment would make the zoning code uniform across the town and that requirements for neighborhood commercial areas have not changed. 

In other business:

• A presentation of the town's audit for fiscal year 2011-2012 was given by Robert E. Milhous. 
• Kirk Luther, chairman of the Okra Strut Commission, gave a brief report on this year's festival. 
• Council approved third and final reading of amending the business license ordinance for provisions for insurance companies.
• Council reviewed plans for the new town park and agreed to move forward on with plans. The park will feature walking trails, an amphitheater, picnic shelters and a pond. For more on the park, click here.