MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)- This week the City of Myrtle Beach presented staff members a plan to buffer adult businesses from major highways.
The proposal would prohibit adult businesses from locating within 500 feet of Mr. Joe White Ave, Robert Grissom Pkwy, and US Hwy 501.
“Our front door is a large highway, we’d like to have uses on their in that corridor that are appropriate for a highway and an entry point for a beach,” Allison Hardin, Planner with the City of Myrtle Beach said.
It’s part of bigger efforts to clean up the city’s image especially for tourists. Last October, city leaders tore down the former Bunny Ranch that sat at the corner of Highway 501 and 3rd Avenue South for many years.
“The city and the county partnered with a corridor overplay plan for 501 already to increase the aesthetic appeal of new buildings that go in and on 501,” Hardin says.
If the proposal passes, it would only impact new adult businesses that want to open in Myrtle Beach. Adult business currently open will be permitted to operate in their locations.
“Zoning is all about putting uses together where they fit, where they have the least amount of of conflict with each other,” Hardin said.
There will be a public hearing for the proposal June 21 and from there it would have to go before city council and pass two readings before going into effect.
