Racepath Community Struggles with Trash Disposal Amidst Ongoing Neglect

Racepath Community Faces Trash Trouble

Living in Myrtle Beach is usually a dream come true – sun-soaked beaches, family-friendly activities, and vibrant community vibes. But just outside the hustle and bustle of the city, a small neighborhood has been struggling with something that’s hard to ignore: trash.

What’s Going On in Racepath?

The Racepath community, located right next to Myrtle Beach but technically part of unincorporated Horry County, has been dealing with persistent litter issues. Unlike their neighbors in the city, they don’t receive essential services such as trash collection. For longtime residents like Frances Washington, this has led to some frustrating times. “Trash is on the streets, it’s in people’s yards; people are burning trash,” she explained. Can you just picture it? Trash piling up everywhere you look, turning a neighborhood into what can only be described as ‘run down.’

Residents face tough choices when it comes to disposing of their garbage. With no city pick-up available, many opt to drive a whopping 10 miles to the nearest dump or sometimes resort to lighting it on fire. Talk about an inconvenient situation! It’s almost as if trash has become a part of the landscape there.

Feeling Forgotten

Despite ongoing discussions and promises from local representatives, frustration has made its way into the hearts of the residents. Washington highlighted that over the last ten years, they have raised concerns over various issues such as sewage, water quality, housing rehabilitation, and the overall beautification of their community. “Almost 10 years later, and nothing has changed,” she lamented. It seems that community excitement has turned into empathy as residents feel increasingly neglected, wishing someone would truly care for Racepath.

Local Councilman Bill Howard represents the area and mentioned that several solutions are in the works, including an upcoming meeting with residents to talk openly about their concerns. However, Washington and others are tired of hearing empty promises. They want action and real change, not just more talks that lead nowhere.

A Ray of Hope?

On a brighter note, the Horry County spokesperson stated that they have invested more than $1 million in Community Development Block Grant Funding aimed at improving the Racepath area, which includes rehabilitating houses. The tricky part? Those funds can’t be allocated for trash pick-up because they’re categorized as maintenance. It’s a bit of a catch-22 situation that leaves locals scratching their heads.

While last year saw the completion of phase one of an infrastructure project—bringing improvements to roads, drainage, and sidewalks—residents still hold their breath. The county has plans for phase two. It sounds promising and includes upgrades for streets, water, sewer services, landscaping, and streetlights, but right now, it’s all just talk.

Community Spirit

Even amidst the struggles, there’s a palpable sense of community spirit. Local resident Akeem Hemingway emphasized the importance of sprucing up the neighborhood. “I know many families would be happy,” he remarked. Imagine a sunny day compared to a cloudy one; the improvements would lift spirits and make everyone smile!

As Racepath continues to navigate these tough times, one thing is clear: the community is ready for change and eager to see some much-deserved attention. As they rally for support and solutions, let’s hope that their future shines as brightly as the Myrtle Beach sun!