Horry County’s $160 Million Hospital Proposal Nears Approval

The process was suspended for more than two years as authorities waited to hear back from the Army Corps of Engineers over concerns about the project’s impact on the environment. This decision could prove crucial to the evolving health infrastructure of Horry County.

The Horry County Council is set to finalize the approval of a significant real estate rezoning proposal that would allow the Conway Medical Center to build a state-of-the-art, 50-bed hospital worth $160.8 million. This comes more than two years after the completion of the first and second readings, stirring fresh debates surrounding the project initially proposed in 2021.

The Proposal

The proposal requires rezoning around 353 acres of land on International Drive near Carolina Forest. Horry County Council had successfully passed the first two readings of the ordinance agreement between the Conway Medical Center and Horry County regarding the future hospital. A community meeting in 2023 saw residents voice their concerns about the proposed development, leading to an increase in controversy surrounding the matter. This has resulted in the project’s delayed third and final reading now scheduled for the Council’s Tuesday session.

Public Concerns

Residents and several environmental agencies have been sceptical about the project primarily because of the location’s proximity to the Lewis Oceans Bays Heritage Preserve. The primary concern is about the potential effect the hospital’s presence may have on prescribed burns conducted in the Preserve. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), which carries out prescribed burns to prevent wildfires and maintain habitats for plants and animals, has urged a clearance of a thousand feet for effective functioning.

Mixed Reactions

The decision to include the controversial rezoning project in the consent agenda, which allows multiple related items to be approved collectively, has led to mixed reactions. The long gap of over two years between the second and final readings without substantial public involvement has particularly irked several residents. While some have called for a delay in the final vote, many have signed up to raise their concerns during the meeting’s public comment section.

The Justification

The proponents of the project argue that as Carolina Forest grows, so does the need for a well-equipped, full-service medical centre. According to them, the proposed hospital aims to meet this demand and provide essential health services to the rapidly growing community. As per the Conway Medical Center CEO, if the property is not rezoned for the hospital, the area may see an influx of approximately 3,200 new homes instead.

Impact of the Decision

The Council’s impending decision could drastically impact the health infrastructure of the county and its surrounding areas, depending on which direction the vote goes on Tuesday. However, the proposal’s impact on the local environment remains a pressing concern among a significant section of the public.

This is an ongoing story, and HERE News Network will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Stay tuned for the latest information. (Source: HERE News Network)