MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Getting help from the government isn’t always easy, but Myrtle Beach may have the answer. The city recently added a new Neighborhood Services Department.
Spokesperson Mark Kruea said Myrtle Beach’s economy is heavily based on tourism, but it’s also a residential community.
“One of the challenges for the city is balancing that tourism element with the residential side,” said Kruea.
The Neighborhood Services Task Force was created to help ensure residents aren’t forgotten. The task force is made up of various departments, such as Public Works, Police and Human Resources.
“Those that could respond to a neighborhood issue immediately,” stated Kruea.
Neighborhood Services Coordinator Tim McCray said the new task force will better address quality of life concerns, which can be anything from a pot hole to affordable housing.
The group is starting with low to moderate income areas including the area around Canal Street, also know as Harlem.
The Neighborhood Services Division has already addressed some concerns in Harlem by bringing youth programs to the area and providing education and training workshops. Their latest project involves four new houses for homeless veterans.
McCray said things will start happening quicker with the task force.
“We want to make sure that the neighborhoods are getting the services that they need. If there are issues, that they are heard and they are addressed,” said Kruea.
The Task Force meets for the first time Thursday at 9:30 a.m. If you have a quality of life concern that needs to be addressed, contact Neighborhood Services at (843) 918-1062 or tmccray@cityofmyrtlebeach.com.