Myrtle Beach Council to Vote on Controversial MarketWalk Development Next Week

Myrtle Beach Council Set to Vote on MarketWalk Development Next Week

Myrtle Beach is buzzing with excitement and a bit of controversy as the City Council gears up for a first vote next week on a development project that has many residents talking. The ordinance up for discussion aims to amend the master plan of The Market Common to pave the way for what they’re calling the “MarketWalk” project. It’s set for a critical first reading during Tuesday’s meeting, and folks around town are definitely eager to see what happens!

What’s Planned for MarketWalk?

So, what exactly is included in this much-debated proposal? Well, it features plans for a total of 90 residential townhomes and 102 residential cottages. Sounds cozy, right? But that’s not all! There’s also a plan for a drive-through coffee shop—that’s right, caffeine lovers—spanning a whopping 3,500 square feet located right on the corner of Phillis Boulevard and Howard Avenue. Picture your morning coffee run, made that much easier!

The developers also have their sights set on providing nearby residents with serious parking relief, proposing nearly 450 parking spaces. With all the excitement and new places coming into town, ensuring there’s ample parking is definitely a smart move!

Green Light from Planning Commission

Earlier this month, the Myrtle Beach Planning Commission gave a thumbs up to send the proposal to the city council, but with some contingencies. This means that they’ve added specific conditions that need to be met, which the council will need to consider when voting. As a reminder, this proposal hasn’t had an easy ride; members of the council voted it down in 2023. It seems that now there’s a little momentum building, and it will be intriguing to see how the council members weigh their past decisions against the current new proposal.

Residents’ Reactions

As with any development, the community’s reaction is mixed. Some residents are excited about the possibility of new living spaces and local amenities, while others worry about the impact of additional development on the character of The Market Common area. It’s that tricky balance of growth versus community vibe that everyone seems keen to discuss. If you’re interested in chiming in, consider attending the council meeting, where you might just catch some lively debates!

Mark Your Calendars!

Whether you’re a fan of the idea or skeptical, there’s no denying that this council meeting is shaping up to be one for the history books. Be sure to mark your calendars for Tuesday, and keep your eyes peeled for how this beloved area of our city might possibly change. There’s always something happening here in Myrtle Beach, and this is certainly one of those moments that could reshape our beautiful community.

Stay tuned, Myrtle Beach! With decisions like these, our town continues to evolve in intriguing ways. And no matter where you stand on the MarketWalk discussion, one thing is for sure: it’s always exciting to be a part of the conversation about the future of our community!