North Myrtle Beach Housing Development Sparks Controversy Among Golf Community
In the picturesque setting of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the air is buzzing with a mixture of excitement and concern as a proposed housing development inches closer to reality. After a heated council meeting on a Monday night, an ordinance was narrowly approved that brings a formerly empty plot of land next to the famed Barefoot Resort and Golf one step closer to becoming a neighborhood.
What’s Happening?
Let’s break it down: the ordinance involves the annexation and rezoning of a 58.3-acre parcel of land located at the crossroads of Highways 31 and 22. The developer, Blu Water Investments LLC, is planning to put up 49 homes on this prime piece of real estate. While the idea of new homes can be exciting for some, it has raised a host of eyebrows among residents who cherish the tranquil lifestyle that comes with living near a golf course.
Residents Speak Out
Among those raising concerns is Dennis Stamey, a Barefoot resident who also sits on the Barefoot Resort Board of Directors. He expressed deep apprehension about the project, saying, “I might lose a lot of my privacy.” Stamey, like many others, feels that local authorities are turning a blind eye to the consequences of overdevelopment in such a beloved area.
“I just feel like Horry County and the city are being kind of short-sighted about putting a building on every postage-stamp-sized piece of property,” he added. It’s hard to ignore the sentiment among golfers and homeowners alike that more houses might mean less peace and quiet on the greens.
Mixed Reactions from Officials
On the other side of the aisle is Councilmember Fred Coyne, who sees the proposed development as a way to eliminate a pesky “donut hole” in the middle of the city. Under current conditions, this land falls under Horry County jurisdiction, which some residents feel has contributed to a disconnect in the area’s growth planning.
“As we grow, we get more shops, more restaurants, more activities to do,” said Coyne. He acknowledges that residents are frustrated with ongoing growth in the region but believes that progress is crucial for boosting the local economy. He emphasized that while it may feel overwhelming, new developments can bring more entertainment—something that can attract golfers to the area.
Concerns Over Infrastructure and Safety
However, the concerns don’t just stop at privacy issues. Marie Chaisson, the Vice President of the Barefoot Board, highlighted worries about **insufficient stormwater infrastructure** and **increased traffic**. One particularly worrisome aspect is that plans show the new access road to the homes will be built right next to an underpass, potentially creating dangerous conditions. “It’s too dangerous. There’s just no way for you to see,” she said, pointing out the risks involved in having large construction vehicles constantly moving in and out of the area.
Development Compromise
Interestingly, Coyne mentioned that the number of homes initially proposed has been significantly decreased from earlier plans that faced rejection from the city’s planning commission last October. The current plan for 49 homes is seen by some as a reasonable compromise compared to earlier proposals, such as a shopping mall or a multi-family housing complex that could have potentially transformed the area forever.
The Bottom Line
As North Myrtle Beach gears up for more changes on its horizon, the community remains divided on the future of the area near Barefoot Resort and Golf. The discussions around this controversial development might just represent a microcosm of a larger conversation about growth, community, and what development means in a city where golfing and natural beauty reign supreme. Stay tuned, as this story continues to unfold!
