CHERRY GROVE, S.C. (WBTW) – Property owners who have provided North Myrtle Beach with a written objection to their assessment within the Cherry Grove dredging project special assessment district had the opportunity to voice their concerns at a public hearing June 11.17 property owners addressed council, giving reasons why they shouldn’t have to pay for the project. Frances Thomas was among those in attendance. Her home is located on 54th Avenue North.“At low tide, it’s nothing but pluff mud, flat,” stated Thomas.While she understands the need for dredging, Thomas said she’s not on board with the plan to pay for it. Council recently voted on a special tax district to help fund the project. North Myrtle Beach Spokesperson Pat Dowling said the district consists of 700 homes located along the canals. According to Dowling, each property owner within the district is responsible for up to $24,000 over ten years. “It’s not the best approach, but it’s the only available,” said Dowling.Several people threatened to file a law suit against the city at Thursday’s public hearing. If that happens, Dowling said the project might be done for good.The city could say we’ve spent enough money on this project,” he said. “Property owners asked us to do this project, this is the best the corp. will allow us to do. This is the only funding mechanism available. We’ll drop the project.”Dowling announced July 6 that “no lawsuits have been filed” against the city, and part of Monday night’s executive session will be devoted to providing City Council with legal advice on some aspects of the project.Thomas feels the entire city should be taxed, not just a select group.“Just to say that the people who live on the canals should have to pay is ridiculous,” she said.The canals are used by boaters, fisherman and visitors on vacation. Several people wondered why the government funds beach re-nourishment but not dredging.“The beach produces far more money, 20-30 times more money than any other section,” said Dowling.The city has already invested over $3 million in the project and they’re also paying the cost of mitigation for any oysters or grass dug up, according to Dowling. However, Thomas said the cost isn’t her only objection to the project. The city’s plan calls for dredging a width of 24 feet, which she said isn’t enough to reach her dock.“You cannot get a boat to that little ditch that’s going to be out there,” said Thomas.Dowling told News 13 he understands Thomas’ frustration, but the Army Corp. of Engineers does not allow them to dredge more than 24 feet.North Myrtle Beach will hold two more public hearings on June 30 and July 1 at 9 a.m. Dowling said council will vote on each objection, then property owners will have 20 days to appeal in a circuit court.
