MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – A multi-family development that was approved by Horry County in 2003 is set to go up in the Clear Pond community in Carolina Forest soon, however residents say it will greatly impact public safety and their overall property value.
Clear Pond residents met with Horry County Councilman, Johnny Vaught on Saturday to discuss the multi-family rental units that will be built in their neighborhood.
Vaught says since the development plan was approved by Horry County in 2003, there is no way Council can stop the builders.
“I hate to say it like this, but I don’t have a dog in this fight as a councilman because (the builders) have obeyed every law that was laid out for them,” Vaught said.
However, Clear Pond neighbors say the apartment complex will double their community’s current population size. They believe all of the extra people will have an impact on public safety.
“If we ever have an emergency back here, where is everyone gonna exit? There’s one road (out). That’s it,” one Clear Pond resident said.
Neighbor Linda McGrath wants answers as to why the development is set in stone.
“I’m frustrated because it is a safety issue. The county should’ve been on this, and there should have been a way out, but they all seem to tell us it’s there and there’s nothing we can do,” McGrath said.
Vaught says Horry County considers public safety, infrastructure, and other factors before approving future developments, however, since this particular development was approved in 2003, he cannot stop it from being built.
Since the rental units likely cannot be stopped, neighbors are asking Horry County to improve the infrastructure before the builders start the project.
