MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – After heated debate Myrtle Beach City Council made permanent changes to parking along the Golden Mile portion of Ocean Boulevard.
Those who live along the street ends have complained for years about the influx of cars that are sometimes parked in their yards or in their driveways.
Parking will now only be allowed on the east side of Ocean Boulevard from 31st Ave. North to 82nd Ave. North and only for people with Myrtle Beach city decals; signs will designate the changes.
People who live in the area were worried that would push more cars onto the surrounding avenues, and at Tuesday’s council meeting they debated who should be allowed to park there.
Some council members wanted anyone with a city decal to be allowed to park on the right of ways, while others pushed to have it open only to people who live in the neighborhoods.
City council voted 4-3 in favor of all drivers with city decals.
Avenues impacted will have signs that designate the decal only parking, though there is the ability to opt out of having the signs.
Locals will get 6 placards for guests to park along the avenues. Beach access lots will be free for people with city decals.
In an effort to encourage parking closer to downtown, rates in the beach access lots in the area have been pushed to twice the normal rate, $4 an hour or $20 a day.
People who don’t live in city limits can get a $100 permit to park in designated lots closer to downtown.
Council says it will review the plan once it’s in place to see if there’s a need for resident only parking decals along the Golden Mile.
