News Summary
North Myrtle Beach city officials are moving forward with a plan to construct over 613 new residential units, refining previous proposals from the canceled The Preserve community. The plan shifts focus to multi-family homes, built-to-rent properties, and townhomes while eliminating a commercial space. The City Council’s initial approval on February 17, 2025, highlights community concerns and the need for careful development amidst population growth. Additionally, another nearby housing proposal has raised discussions on community dynamics and future development.
North Myrtle Beach Proposes Exciting New Housing Development
North Myrtle Beach is in for a significant change as developers have announced plans to build over 613 new residential units in the area. This exciting project looks to meet the growing demand for housing while modifying previous plans for what was once known as The Preserve community. The earlier proposal had received approval back in 2022 for a whopping 826 residential units, but the current plan is shifting gears and aiming for a more manageable number.
Revisiting The Preserve Community
The newly submitted proposal is a refined version of the original plan, now focusing on developing multi-family homes, built-to-rent properties, and townhomes. It’s worth noting an interesting twist in this update: the developers have opted to eliminate a previously included 10,000-square-foot commercial space. This change reflects the developers’ current strategy to subdivide the tract into individual properties, making it easier for residents to settle into their new homes. City officials are working hand in hand with the developers to establish the necessary rights of way for the subdivision.
City Council’s Initial Approval
The North Myrtle Beach City Council cast its votes on February 17, 2025, during their meeting, where the plan received initial approval. However, there is still a final approval pending after a second reading from the council. It’s exciting to think about how this could transform the community, but there are some caveats. City Assistant Planning Director, Suzanne Pritchard, has indicated that the number of homes proposed might decrease even further as the plan evolves. The city is committed to ensuring that everything meets local standards for roads and driveways, which could lead to reductions in the unit count.
Changes in the Community Dynamics
As Pritchard pointed out, the dynamics of the area have changed significantly since the original project was first approved. With an increasing population and more homes coming into play, resident perspectives on development are evolving. The community is tuning in to these changes, making it essential to approach new projects with caution and care to maintain the charm of North Myrtle Beach.
Another Development on the Horizon
But wait, there’s more! Just nearby, a separate housing development is making waves. Blu Water Investments LLC plans to build 49 homes on a 58.3-acre site close to Barefoot Resort and Golf. This proposal has raised concerns among local residents regarding issues like privacy, traffic, and stormwater infrastructure. The North Myrtle Beach City Council recently voted 4-3 in favor of the first reading for this development, further igniting discussions about the community’s future.
The Community’s Voice
Some council members, like Fred Coyne, are keen to highlight the economic benefits this development could provide to North Myrtle Beach. However, a considerable portion of residents believes it’s time to press the pause button on new projects. Their concerns are primarily centered around safety, particularly regarding proposed access roads that could impact existing underpasses. With all these changes, one thing is clear: North Myrtle Beach is at a crossroads when it comes to future development.
Looking Ahead
As the city balances the demands for new housing and the existing community’s needs, the outcome of both development projects will be a telling sign of North Myrtle Beach’s approach to growth. Residents, city officials, and developers are all part of this unfolding story, and it’s sure to be one that shapes the character of the area for years to come. For now, all eyes will be on the upcoming council meeting and how they decide to move forward with these developments.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: North Myrtle Beach Leaders Approve Ordinance
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- Multifamily Housing News: JV to Develop Property
- Google Search: North Myrtle Beach development
- Myrtle Beach Online: Short-Term Rental Moratorium
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- WPDE: Firefighters Control Intense Fire
- Google News: North Myrtle Beach housing
