MURRELLS INLET, SC (WBTW) – Plans for a condo development are moving forward, despite months of opposition.
Several people living nearby say they’re upset, even though the developer has proposed fewer condos.
“They massaged it around a little bit, but we’re left with the same end result,” said Brenda Gray, who lives in the Crystal Oaks neighborhood.
Many residents have fought the proposed condo development since February. It was originally proposed then, but the developer pulled those plans from Georgetown County consideration.
The complex would be located off Murrells Inlet Road, which those opposed say couldn’t handle traffic that comes with more homes.
“Have you ever been down to Murrells Inlet on a hot Friday night? said Deborah Bowden, who lives near the proposed development site. “Traffic is just terrible to begin with.”
The Howard Dargan Group wants to develop 34 condo units in two-story buildings. That’s smaller than the 60 units in three-story buildings proposed back in February.
G3 Engineering is the firm working with the developer on the site. G3’s CEO David Gantt says the complex would only have one entrance on Murrells Inlet Road. In February, the developer also tried to have access from Bandage Court, where medical offices are located near U.S. Highway 17 Bypass.
While Georgetown County’s planning commission voted to recommend the plan Thursday, those opposed say more buildings could make flooding worse.
They also say they want any new housing to fit the look of the community.
“These are huge buildings,” Gray said. “There’s nothing around them that is as large as these buildings are going to be.”
Georgetown County’s council must approve the plan before any construction could begin.
