Exciting Changes Coming to Horry County: New Housing Development Approved
Hey there, Horry County! Big things are happening, and it’s time to dish out the details! Recently, the Horry County Council gave their final nod of approval for a zoning change that will pave the way for 116 new residential units on 47 acres off Cates Bay Highway, close to our beloved Conway. Hold onto your hats, folks, because this story is stirring up quite the conversation!
What’s the Deal with the New Development?
This land, currently zoned as rural forest agriculture, will soon shift to the multi-residential one category, which means more homes for our growing population! During the council’s meeting on November 12, the rezoning request cruised through the consent agenda without any discussion, even though the planning commission previously shot it down 6-1. A bit shady, right?
Representing District 11, Council Member Al Allen was all in favor of the project. He believes the development agreement will actually help with stormwater drainage in the area—the main concern for many residents. He explained, “Staff approved it. The planning commission disapproved it because our planning commission member was not there that night to represent it fully, and so all standards have been met.” Sounds like a plan to alleviate water woes!
Voices of Concern: The Other Side of the Coin
But not everyone is on board. Enter Stefanie Chiapetta, a passionate resident speaking on behalf of Horry County Residents for Responsible Building. She shared that they’ve gathered 947 signatures for a petition to pause further development in the county. Whoa! That’s a significant voice of concern! Chiapetta didn’t hold back, stating, “Where once stood a family-friendly area replete with small town charm, we now face overdevelopment. Iconic landmarks, wetlands, and wooded tracts that once painted the character of our county are being demolished and destroyed for more urban sprawl that the county cannot sustain.” It seems many folks are worried that too much construction is spoiling our beautiful home.
What’s in Store for Future Development?
Now, let’s break down what the zoning change entails. The ordinance for the Cates Bay development outlines some very green standards, including a 100% increase in active recreational space. How cool is that? They’re even planning to add three “pocket parks” in the housing community to provide some lush green spaces! With a layout of 2.47 dwelling units per acre and a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet, it’s designed to create a livable community.
However, as much as we’re excited about growth, the reality is that our streets are becoming busier. The traffic impact is expected to result in 928 projected daily trips, which has raised eyebrows among community members. Coupled with schools that are already bursting at the seams—Whittemore Park Middle School at 107% capacity and Pee Dee Elementary School at 111%—it’s clear there are some growing pains to discuss.
Keeping the Community Up-to-Date
Diamond Shores is the applicant for this rezoning, and they have owned the land since 2006. And while we’re on the subject of developments, brace yourselves for another potential upcoming change: the Horry County Council on Aging may be getting a new location! They’ve approved an ordinance on a second reading to lease the former Wampee Fire Station site to the nonprofit. This could be a game-changer for our aging population!
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for Horry County? Lots of discussions are in the works as community members voice their concerns and council members deliberate on how to balance growth without losing our charming character. There’s a third reading scheduled for the council’s decisions, and both sides are eager to see how things unfold.
Stay tuned, Horry County! Whether you’re for or against these developments, it’s crucial we all stay informed and engaged. After all, it’s our home, and every voice counts!
