Myrtle Beach Seeks to Solve Workforce Housing Shortage with Aid of $150K Grant
Grant to Fund Comprehensive Zoning Overhaul, Facilitating More Workforce Housing
In an effort to address the growing housing challenges in Myrtle Beach, city leaders have announced plans to utilize a $150,000 grant awarded by the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission. The grant is intended to fund a complete reexamination and overhaul of the current zoning regulations, aimed explicitly at accommodating more workforce housing.
As the population of Myrtle Beach and the entire Grand Strand area continues to increase, the need for essential workers such as teachers, nurses, and first responders is seeing a similar uptick. However, it appears that many of these workers are unable to afford living within the city, owing largely to the city’s existing zoning regulations, as explained by Brooke Morris, assistant to the Myrtle Beach City Manager.
No Definitions for Workforce Housing in Zoning Ordinances
“The city’s zoning ordinances do not define workforce housing. And the zoning code does not identify specific areas of the zoning district where workforce housing is needed and would be most compatible with the existing communities,” Morris stated. The $150,000 grant will enable the city leaders to address this issue systematically and create more inclusive zoning laws.
Workforce Housing: A Priority
Joey Smoak, CEO of Eastern Carolina Housing Organization, lauded the city’s initiative. According to Smoak, even though development in Myrtle Beach has burgeoned, the provision of affordable accommodation for essential workers has failed to keep pace. Alterations in the zoning regulations can potentially open up new areas for housing, providing more options for workers. “I’m thrilled that they’re looking at addressing zoning and maybe opening up some things or removing some things that hinder certain types of housing,” said Smoak.
Time Frame for Zoning Overhaul
The ambitious zoning overhaul is expected to take around two years to complete, as per Morris. As the process unfolds, it promises to make Myrtle Beach a more inclusive and affordable place for the essential workforce that contributes to its growth and development every day.
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