MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Myrtle Beach’s new mayor and council will decide the fate of the Superblock. During day one of the city’s budget retreat Tuesday, they discussed the hot topics of eminent domain and the library and children’s museum projects.
Members analyzed their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats using the SWOT method. One of the “opportunities” that got a lot of attention was eminent domain, which council agreed is a sensitive topic that needs to be put to rest.
The eminent domain conversation started in February, when council approved the government’s ability to take certain properties—specifically in the Superblock. Since then, the city has denied using the process for any land or building purchase.
But it has been controversial over the last year, and Mayor Brenda Bethune said Tuesday it is time to put people’s minds at ease by getting rid of it.
“It has been a cloud that has been hanging over some of the smaller businesses in the Superblock area,” said Bethune, “And it’s one that has been unnecessary up until now. We haven’t needed it for anything and don’t foresee that we do need it for anything. So there’s really no need to keep it.”
Council asked City Manager John Pederson to put a motion on the agenda for the next council meeting. This doesn’t necessarily mean the city will not see a library and children’s museum in the area. Council has talked for months about either renovating Chapin Memorial Library or building a new library.
Bethune said Tuesday, whatever that choice, it has to be more than an “old-school” library. At first, she was against the idea of a new library but said “the right library” could change her mind.
“The programs need to be there, the events,” she said. “I think there does need to be a retail component, potentially a coffee shop.”
No formal decision was made on the library or the children’s museum—two projects Bethune said are ultimately separate. “Both talks are going to be happening simultaneously, and what we will look for is the best plan—whether it be just one or both.”
Council will tour Columbia’s EdVenture Children’s Museum Thursday.
“Talk with their staff and just look at really what they are about, their programming,” Bethune said. “And get a better feel for what that could mean for Myrtle Beach.”
Members will then continue on to Greenville to study their downtown revitalization efforts.
