North Myrtle Beach Approves Scaled-Back Housing Project

News Summary

North Myrtle Beach leaders have approved a revised housing project by the Klotz Group after community feedback. The project now plans for 613 homes, eliminating the commercial area and addressing density concerns. Further developments from Blu Water Investments and plans for luxury homes by Toll Brothers are also stirring local discussion amid ongoing community concerns.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH LEADERS APPROVE SCALED-BACK HOUSING PROJECTS AMID CONTROVERSY AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS

The city of North Myrtle Beach is experiencing a whirlwind of housing developments as city leaders have recently given their early approval to a scaled-back housing project that has drawn significant community debate and discussion. After four long years of negotiations with the Florida-based Klotz Group, the council has arrived at a proposal that aims to better align with community interests.

Originally, the Klotz Group announced a staggering $250 million investment in July 2024, with plans to develop a sprawling construction project consisting of 804 homes and a 10,000-square-foot commercial space. However, the revised plans have dramatically altered the project’s scale, limiting it to a maximum of 613 homes while scrapping the commercial area entirely. The towering five-story constructions have also been replaced with more modest, townhouse-like units to ease concerns about neighborhood density.

City officials, including Mayor Marilyn Hatley, underscored the essential role that collaboration plays in community development, highlighting the importance of reducing project density to meet the needs of the residents better. Yet, the project is not entirely off the hook just yet. There remain multiple issues that need addressing before construction can fully kick off, including important clarifications regarding garage depths, utility hookups, and setback regulations.

Further insight into the project came from Josh Hughes, an official at Longleaf Real Estate, who stated the design is age-targeted. This indicates the housing plan is specifically aiming to attract an older demographic rather than larger families, which could shape the way the community evolves.

In a separate housing endeavor, another developer, Blu Water Investments LLC, has introduced plans to construct 49 homes near the trendy Barefoot Resort. This development has faced its fair share of scrutiny from residents who are unsettled about privacy concerns and quality of life impacts. A notable voice expressing these concerns is Dennis Stamey from the Barefoot Board of Directors, who has raised alarms about the effect on local conditions.

Defensively, council member Fred Coyne has rallied support for Blu Water’s development, viewing it as a strategic move to rejuvenate an area of North Myrtle Beach dubbed the “donut hole.” He is convinced that this project has the potential to generate economic benefits. In contrast, the Vice President of the Barefoot Board, Marie Chaisson, has highlighted possible repercussions concerning stormwater management and traffic safety related to the proposed access road.

Concerning the neighborhood dynamics, the original proposal suggested a much greater number of homes. However, the revised count of 49 is seen as a much better alternative than the construction of shopping centers, which would fundamentally alter the essence of the area. On top of that, land preparation is already in progress for yet another residential development along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway, covering over 56 acres and owned by RLS (Outpost) LLC from New York. Recent permits have been granted for crucial waterline connections and subdivision work.

Unfortunately, not every story from these developments paints a positive picture. A lawsuit has emerged from a tragic motorcycle accident that reportedly stemmed from heavy machinery parked improperly near the development site, leading to a fatality. The claim alleges negligence against both the equipment operator and connected firms.

In a different segment of the housing scene, Toll Brothers, Inc. has announced an exciting new luxury community called Hill Street Villas. This upcoming neighborhood will feature stunning single-family homes with prices beginning in the low $500,000s and is poised to become a desirable location near Cherry Grove Beach. Sales for Hill Street Villas are expected to kick off in fall 2024, adding another vibrant layer to North Myrtle Beach’s growing residential options.

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Additional Resources

• WBTW News
• Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
• WMBF News
• Google Search: North Myrtle Beach housing development
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Google Scholar: North Myrtle Beach development
• GlobeNewswire
• Encyclopedia Britannica: North Myrtle Beach
• WBTW News: Housing Plan
• Google News: North Myrtle Beach housing news