Myrtle Beach Community Voices Concerns Over Revamped Marketwalk Development Proposal

Myrtle Beach Residents React to New Development Proposal

Myrtle Beach is buzzing once again as city officials and developers sit down to hash out a new version of the **_Marketwalk_** project in the Market Common area. For those who may not remember, this proposed development previously fell flat after a strong pushback from local residents. But it’s back, and this time it’s creating quite the stir at planning commission meetings.

What’s On the Table?

The revamped Marketwalk plan includes nearly 200 new homes, a clubhouse, a Starbucks, and other exciting features that could potentially spice up our beloved Market Common. On Tuesday, local developers came ready to answer questions and ease community minds. Planning Commission Chair Joyce Karetas emphasized the need for addressing resident concerns to ensure our community feels “comfortable and safe.”

Residents Speak Up

Traffic Troubles?

Traffic is a hot-button issue, especially during rush hour. One commissioner passionately urged others to take a good look at traffic between 5 PM and 8 PM, pointing out the significant congestion and the risk it poses for accidents. “This could become a major problem,” they said. Talk about an important issue, right?

Parking Concerns

And let’s not forget about parking. Several commissioners raised eyebrows at the **_seemingly low number of spaces_** available for both the clubhouse and pool. One expressed, “Looking at that clubhouse and the parking spaces, it seems like there are so few. I’m really concerned about that as well.” With so many new homes, it’s an understandable worry!

Developer’s Take

On the developers’ side, they presented a traffic study that they believed assured minimal delays would occur due to the new additions. Project engineer Mary Bogart stated, “We developed traffic projections for the project, and what we found is there are minimal increases in delay.” However, many locals would likely feel more comfortable hearing more about those projections directly from the developers.

Following the Rules

On the parking front, attorney Dan Stacy stressed that they haven’t just thrown this plan together on a whim. “We’ve designed for the ordinance that you’ve adopted, and we comply with that and exceed that.” That’s reassuring to hear, but does it align with residents’ needs? Only time will tell!

Looking Ahead

Developers assured residents and city officials that they’re listening to all concerns. They promised to return to the planning commission with more refined plans at the next meeting. It sounds like there’s hope for improvement, and many are hoping for plans that better suit the community as a whole.

Next Steps

The Marketwalk project will be back on the planning commission’s agenda in October for another round of discussions and a vote. So, if you’re passionate about what happens in Market Common, keep your ears and eyes peeled! Your voice matters, and it looks like developers may genuinely want to hear from you.

In the meantime, stay informed and involved, Myrtle Beach! The future of our community is taking shape with every discussion.