MYRTLE BEACH, SC- City leaders continue to move forward with efforts to re-develop downtown Myrtle Beach, particularly the south end. The latest plan involves enforcing city code more strictly, strategically purchasing properties that aren’t well maintained and demolishing them to help spark economic growth.
According to Myrtle Beach Spokesman Mark Kruea, re-development efforts center on a portion of the city known as the south mixed-use area. Kruea said it’s one of the oldest parts of Myrtle Beach and several buildings in the area are in poor condition.
The Bay View Resort is located near 5th Avenue North, amongst some of the city’s older properties.
“It doesn’t look as historic and wonderful,” said Manager of Guest Services Corey Shaw.
While Bay View Resort’s 19 story high rise is a picture of modern architecture, Shaw said the hotels across the street are stuck in the past and it affects business in the area.
“People will just drive past the area because it just doesn’t look like the fun new area that everybody wants to be in,” stated Shaw.
Kruea said the city’s new re-development plan will work as a partnership to compliment future investment in the area. In order to execute that plan, he said the city will need to work with banks to establish a $10 million line of credit.
“The city might be able to help a little bit. If there’s a blighted property perhaps we could acquire it,” stated Kruea.
It won’t be the first time the city has used public investment to spur private growth. Kruea said the city owns the parks and parking decks surrounding Market Common.
“The city itself is not in the re-development business, but we might be able to help through more public infrastructure,” he said. Kruea
told News 13 that cleaning up the area will help attract potential buyers, which will ultimately recover the public’s money.
