Medical Facility on the Horizon Along SC 90 in Horry County
Horry County, SC – A potential medical facility is making strides in Horry County, as rezoning efforts along Highway 90 at SC 22 gain momentum.
Rezoning request approved
On Thursday, the Horry County Planning Commission gave its vote of favor towards a request to rezone approximately 44 acres from Manufacturing to Medical Services. The land, purchased in December of last year, fell under the ownership of Horry County Property Holdings LLC.
Despite queries from local residents, representatives of the Conway Medical Center (CMC), whose address matches that of the LLC, have been tight-lipped about their specific intentions for this strategically positioned land site. Requests for comment regarding the possibility of a new medical facility being erected here have so far been met with a resolute silence.
Previous plans come to a halt
This property acquisition and subsequent rezoning request came on the heels of a stalled effort by CMC to establish a facility along International Drive. This previous venture hit a roadblock at Horry County Council prompting the Conway Medical Center to eventually withdraw that request in the spring of 2024. The land in question for the intended facility ended up being sold to SCDNR, setting in motion plans to convert it into a nature preserve thanks to its favorable location across from the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve and adjoining the Independent Republic Heritage Preserve.
Spotlight on Inpatient Medical Services
Horry County zoning laws stipulate that ME1 zoning, as requested by development engineers from the Development Resource Group for this particular site, allows for inpatient and outpatient medical services. On the agenda, the staff classified the rezoning specifically for “Inpatient Medical Services”.
Inpatient medical services are the healthcare provisions given in a hospital or another similar inpatient facility where a patient is admitted and spends, at least, a night. Areas within Horry County that currently possess this type of zoning include the soon-to-be Waccamaw Community Hospital on Highway 707 in Burgess, and the McLeod Seacoast Hospital situated on Highway 9 in Little River.
Sources have confirmed that while specifics pertaining to the intended construction have not been disclosed, the site is, however, slated to be committed to the provision of medical services.
The rezoning request is now headed towards the Horry County Council. According to protocol, three readings are required before any final decisions can be made.
Looking ahead
As we await further developments on this matter, one thing remains clear; Horry County Property Holdings LLC has set the gears in motion for bringing significant medical healthcare advancements to Horry County with the full backing of the County’s Planning Commission. This potential major medical facility along SC 90 could signify a substantial leap forward in healthcare provision for the residents and visitors of Horry County alike.
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