Traffic Troubles and Business Buzz in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is buzzing with activity, but not all of it is as sweet as a day at the beach. It seems that the summer traffic patterns have created quite a stir among local business owners, especially those around Ocean Boulevard. During a recent summit held at Breakers Resort, many owners expressed their frustrations over how traffic management this past summer has impacted sales.
What’s the Deal with the Traffic?
During peak summer weekends, the Myrtle Beach Police Department has implemented a traffic plan, closing down northbound lanes on Ocean Boulevard every Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. This setup reroutes traffic toward Kings Highway, and sadly, it seems that it’s doing more than just steering cars away; it’s steering customers away too.
“It’s crushing us on Friday and Saturday nights,” said Tanner Cauthen, co-owner and general manager of Dirty Don’s. Many business owners feel that the road closures have dramatically reduced foot traffic, especially during the most profitable times of the week.
Mixed Feelings from Business Owners
While safety is of utmost importance — and the police state that the changes aim to increase officer visibility and response times — business owners worry about the effect these changes have on their livelihood. For them, summer months are crucial, and they want to ensure tourists and locals alike feel welcome to visit their establishments.
Lisa Lee, who recently opened The Tasting Room, shared her perspective on the changing vibe. She suggested that having many police officers visible gives a certain impression, which might not be appealing to families out for a good time. “It makes it hard for people to want to come downtown,” she said. She’s one among many voicing that they feel ignored by city officials in addressing their concerns.
Safety Concerns vs. Business Needs
The police remain adamant that their focus is on safety. Capt. Chris Smith explains that the goal of these traffic patterns is to enhance safety and allow for quicker emergency responses. However, the feeling among business owners is that the perception of crime tends to overshadow the reality, causing some to associate the area with danger rather than fun.
With crime reports highlighting Myrtle Beach as one of the “Top 10 most dangerous across the U.S.,” it’s essential for locals and authorities to work together to reshape that narrative. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has also jumped in, clarifying that crime numbers have decreased and advocating for a positive image of our beloved city.
The Long-Term Vision
At the summit, Downtown Alliance CEO Jason Greene acknowledged the challenges faced, emphasizing that while there is an ongoing need for change, a long-term approach is necessary. “This isn’t something that will be solved overnight,” he said. The alliance is looking to create more housing and business units in the area, aiming to invite more residents and tourists alike to help balance out the off-peak seasons.
With more people comes a need for better promotions, and the alliance is keen on developing a progressive marketing strategy that equally targets residents and tourists so that everyone feels compelled to explore downtown. Some immediate changes they hope to roll out include improved signage and fresh branding ideas.
Finding a Middle Ground
The future is looking hopeful, but many local business owners are eager for changes to happen sooner rather than later. “This is going to be a thorn in our paw for a very long time if we can’t figure out a resolution,” Tanner argues passionately.
So, while Myrtle Beach remains a stunning spot for vacationers and locals alike, the conversation on balancing safety and business prosperity is clearly the talk of the town. We’ll be keeping an eye on how this unfolds, especially as we transition into the fall and winter seasons. After all, a thriving downtown is in everyone’s best interest — let’s keep the dialogue going!
