Myrtle Beach Residents Discuss Future of Community at Final RIDE 4 Forum

Myrtle Beach Residents Gather for Final RIDE 4 Forum

Yesterday in Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the last forum on the highly discussed RIDE 4 referendum. With many local residents eager to get the lowdown on what this new initiative means for them, the atmosphere was buzzing with curiosity and questions. After all, who doesn’t want to know how their community is evolving and what changes are coming?

What is RIDE 4?

For those who might be scratching their heads about RIDE 4, here’s the scoop: Horry County voters have been chipping in with local taxes for over 25 years through previous RIDE phases—1, 2, and 3. If RIDE 4 gets the green light on November 5, it means residents will continue contributing to this funding until 2050. A hefty commitment, for sure!

Quick Insights from the Forum

During the forum, Jimmy Gray, Chief Advocacy Officer for MBACC, emphasized the importance of community members understanding the long list of projects that RIDE 4 would finance. “Folks educating themselves about the full list of projects, I think is a really good way for them to understand what the RIDE 4 program is,” he noted. Many residents seemed to appreciate his insight, with questions pouring in about specific projects and future benefits.

Who’s on the Fence?

Not everyone is on board with RIDE 4, though. The South Carolina Coastal Conservation League is raising a few eyebrows regarding the proposed projects. Their Deputy Director, Trapper Fowler, expressed strong concerns, saying, “Unfortunately the way they structured this list of projects, yes we must vote the whole thing down.” With some residents echoing his sentiments, it’s clear that there’s a mix of feelings in the crowd!

Local Voices Chime In

As the town expands with newcomers and tourists, many locals are seeing the repercussions of growth on the infrastructure, especially roads. One resident, John Ward, shared his perspective, citing the intense growth over the last four years. He voiced understanding for the funding needs, remarking, “I’m very familiar with all the growth that is happening, and it’s a constant upkeep of the roads and infrastructure, and we need that money for that.”

What’s Next for RIDE 4?

The clock is ticking, and the vote is quickly approaching. If the referendum doesn’t manage to secure at least 51% “yes” votes, there’s a chance it could land on the ballot in the general election of 2026. If that happens, locals may see an increase in property taxes to cover the cost of the projects that RIDE 4 would fund. Jimmy Gray described the potential outcomes, stating, “What local government could do is they could wait a couple of years and have the vote again, or what they could do is increase our property taxes, and make you and I and the hundreds of Horry County residents pay for it.”

Time to Vote!

So, Myrtle Beach, it looks like the ball is in your court. For those who care about the future of our beloved beach town, staying informed and voting can make all the difference. Whether you’re leaning “yes” or “no,” your voice matters. Mark your calendars for November 5, and let’s shape the future of Myrtle Beach together!