North Myrtle Beach Council Approves Housing Development Despite Strong Resident Opposition

North Myrtle Beach Council Moves Forward with Controversial Housing Development

In a surprising turn of events, the North Myrtle Beach City Council has given the green light for a new housing development despite a chorus of complaints from local residents and a unanimous recommendation from the city’s planning commission against it. On Monday, December 2, the council voted 4-3 in favor of annexing a 58.3-acre tract of land near the bustling intersection of Highways 22 and 31. This decision will pave the way for Blu Water Investments LLC to build 49 new homes on one-acre lots, complete with generous 125-foot vegetation buffers.

A Closer Look at the Development

Initially, the developer had aimed to construct 59 homes, but after a review process, the plans were modified down to 49. The area will be officially zoned as R-1 low-density residential. As part of the development agreement, the city will receive a nice financial boost, collecting public safety, park, and parking enhancement fees amounting to $5,500 per home. With 49 homes on the way, this totals $324,500 for the city’s coffers.

Additional Requirements for the Development

In a move aimed at addressing community concerns, the developer will also need to put in a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Marsh Glenn Drive and provide proper lighting in that area. But not everyone is on board with this plan. Many residents, especially those in the neighboring Barefoot Resort, have voiced strong opposition to the new development.

Voices of Dissent from Residents

Local resident and Barefoot Resort’s property owners association representative, John Karpovich, made his feelings known to the council before the vote. He pointed out that the planning commission had unanimously recommended denying the annexation and zoning request during their October meeting. “It just seems to be apparent that the commission you appoint, and I would think rely upon … appears to be totally discarded in this,” he said, highlighting that the planning commission had raised concerns over stormwater drainage.

The advisory recommendations of the planning commission do not carry a mandate, leaving the city council with the final say. Another Barefoot homeowner, Alan Simeon, stated that a survey conducted among Barefoot property owners found that a staggering 90% were against the development. At a previous council meeting, Mayor Marilyn Hatley even questioned the wording of the survey, suggesting it might have been “slanted” to gather a specific response.

Calls for Limitations

Echoing the concerns of many residents, property owner Dennis Stamey urged the council to include stipulations in the development agreement to prevent future amendments that could potentially change the number of homes or reduce lot sizes and buffer requirements. However, the city representatives informed him that any future council could alter those terms, highlighting a lack of long-term assurances for the community.

Breaking Down the Vote

The council members split their votes quite significantly to approve the annexation, with Fred Coyne, Nicole Fontana, Hank Thomas, and Mayor Marilyn Hatley voting in favor, while Bubba Collins, Trey Skidmore, and J.O. Baldwin III opposed the motion.

What’s Next for the City?

In other council actions, the city appointed Assistant City Manager Ryan Fabbri to take on the role of interim city manager while the search for a permanent manager is underway. Former City Manager Mike Mahaney was dismissed back in September after 14 years in the role, leaving the council to navigate these changes in leadership and community sentiment.

This decision has left many citizens concerned about the future of North Myrtle Beach, with growing traffic and habitat preservation issues lingering in the air. It remains to be seen how this will unfold as the development plans take shape.

As the community watches closely, it’s clear that North Myrtle Beach is at a crossroads, balancing growth with residents’ desires for a tranquil and preserved environment.