Myrtle Beach Business Owners Voice Concerns Over Changes in Downtown Area
In the heart of beautiful Myrtle Beach, a few local business owners are raising some eyebrows about recent changes to traffic patterns and the noticeable increase in police presence within the city’s Municipal Improvement District. While some folks appreciate the efforts to revitalize the downtown area, others argue these changes are making it tougher for them to attract customers. Let’s dive into what’s going on!
Concern From Business Owners
At the first-ever business summit hosted by the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, local business owners had a chance to voice their concerns. Clayton Burrous, co-owner of Grand Strand Brewing Company, made a strong statement: “If you want a bunch of empty buildings in three or four years, you’re on the path to getting them.” His frustration is shared by many who feel that the current environment isn’t friendly for business.
Don Cauthen, who runs Don’s Oyster Bar & Grill, also reported a significant drop in his business, sharing that he’s experienced a 20% decrease in sales over the past year. He worries that when customers arrive and see one-way streets, police presence, and streets being blocked off, they might wonder if something has gone wrong in the area.
A New Vision for the Future
Despite these valid concerns, Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance President and CEO Jason Greene is optimistic about the future. He wants to add 2,700 residential units to downtown over the next couple of decades, aiming to make the area more vibrant and sustainable year-round. Greene emphasized, “We certainly know that the plan is not 100% complete just yet,” and he’s committed to keeping the conversation open with both business owners and residents.
Many business owners feel that changes to traffic patterns due to the Highway 501 realignment project have made navigating downtown more complicated. While the increased police presence has contributed to a decrease in violent crime, some believe it may also be unintentionally scaring potential visitors away.
Building a Brand for Downtown Myrtle Beach
In addition to addressing current traffic issues, Greene mentioned the importance of developing a strong brand for Myrtle Beach. The Downtown Alliance is working on a new logo and color scheme, which they believe will enhance the downtown’s cohesive look and feel, thereby attracting both locals and tourists alike.
“I think it was a very effective meeting in terms of capturing the concerns,” Greene shared. He hopes that through patience and dialogue, the Downtown Alliance can steer their initiatives in a way that fosters a thriving environment for businesses while addressing any challenges head-on.
Looking Ahead
The sentiment among Myrtle Beach business owners is clear: They want their voices heard and their businesses to thrive in a friendly environment. While there is a lot of excitement about plans for the future, the current obstacles of traffic changes and police presence remain top of mind. Greene concluded with a hopeful outlook, stating, “We have to continue to work with the businesses and residents to understand their concerns to make sure that we’re shaping this thing in the right direction.”
As conversations continue between the Downtown Alliance and the local business community, Myrtle Beach residents and visitors alike will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold and how they impact the beloved downtown area.
