Golf Cart Parking No Longer Allowed in the Horseshoe on Main Street During City's Free Thursday Evening Concerts

Golf carts may no longer be parked in the Horseshoe on Main Street during the City’s free Thursday evening concerts.

As the free concert series has become better known, attendance has grown to as many as 3,500 people per concert. The golf carts take up room that is now needed for seating.

Golf cart owners who have traditionally parked in the Horseshoe for the free Thursday evening concerts must now find appropriate alternate parking.

The Entertainers to Perform in a FREE June 23 Concert at the Horseshoe on Main Street

The public is invited to enjoy a free June 23, 7pm-9pm concert featuring The Entertainers at the Harold Bessent Band Stand at the Horseshoe on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. The Entertainers are a beach music band from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Patrons and concert-goers are encouraged to bring their beach chairs.

The free concert is part of the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department’s Music on Main summer concert series sponsored by Anderson Brothers Bank.

About The Entertainers: Beach music has long been a tradition in the South, and The Entertainers are proud to have shared in that tradition for over 30 years. The Entertainers were founded in 1980 and scored their first regional smash hit with "Living For The Summer" that same year. This song helped propel the group to the forefront of beach music, which led to their playing the finest clubs along the Grand Strand, corporate conventions, and weddings and festivals from Washington, DC to Naples, Florida.

While staying true to their rhythm and blues and beach music roots, the group also satisfies the most diverse audiences by playing selections from the latest Top 40, classic rock & roll and country music. The group's years of performing experience and recording prowess culminated in the release of their latest album entitled, "The Inside Story". This record, which contains the #1 beach music hit, "Thank Goodness She Cheated" and classic beach and soul hits, will surely lead you to the dance floor with a smile on your face.

For day of event weather information call the “Rec Check” hotline at (843) 280-5594 ext. 3,  www.Facebook.com/NMBParksandRec, or visit their website http://parks.nmb.us.

NMB PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT HOLDS FREE JUNE 18, 10AM-3PM, “WILDLAND FIRE EDUCATION” OPEN HOUSE AT FIRE STATION #1 (2nd Avenue South)

Wildfires only happen in undeveloped, forested areas far away from residential neighborhoods, right? Absolutely wrong.

For example, on April 23, 2009 the city of North Myrtle Beach experienced a wildfire that began in Horry County, jumped a major roadway, then burned about 75 homes in the city limits. One of the main fire prevention issues that arose from that fire was the use of pine straw as a landscaping element next to structures. From that wildfire was also born the city of North Myrtle Beach Wildland Firefighting Team, and an annual focus on proper landscaping and other precautions that home owners and business owners can employ to reduce chances that their properties will be damaged by wildland fires.

On June 18, 10am-3pm, the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department will hold a “Wildland Fire Education” open house at Fire Station #1, 1018 2^nd Avenue South. The public is invited to come to the open house, and encouraged to bring the whole family. Food and refreshments will be provided to all who come to the open house.   

The SC Forestry Commission will be on site with their interactive display. City fire and police vehicles will be on display. The Fire Marshal's Office will have their fire safety house set up and will provide tours of the house. Children can use a fire hose and spray targets.  

New for this year is an onsite a mockup of the exterior of a home, and through a live display firefighters will show the fire damage that can be caused by fire when pine straw is used as a landscaping material versus other safer materials. 

Understanding wildland fire safety is important to North Myrtle Beach and the Horry County area.

Rock Machine Performs in a FREE June 16 Concert on Main Street

The public is invited to enjoy a free June 16, 7pm-9pm concert featuring Rock Machine on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.  Rock Machine performs rock music from the seventies through the nineties.

Patrons and concert-goers are encouraged to bring their beach chairs.

The free concert is part of the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department’s Music on Main summer concert series sponsored by Anderson Brothers Bank.

 For day of event weather information call the “Rec Check” hotline at (843) 280-5594 ext. 3, www.Facebook.com/NMBParksandRec, or visit their websitehttp://parks.nmb.us. 

North Myrtle Beach High School Art Students Transform Trash Dumpsters into Works of Art

Trash dumpsters are not the most attractive objects, so a group of North Myrtle Beach High School art students and their teacher decided to put their creative talents to work on a few dumpsters and turned them into functional works of art.

With the assistance of North Myrtle Beach Recreation Programs Operations Director Gregg Barnhill, who also serves as staff liaison for the Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful Committee, and Community Services Public Safety Officer Julie Smith, Tina Martin, a North Myrtle Beach High School art teacher and National Art Honor Society sponsor, organized an opportunity for her students to transform trash dumpsters located on Hillside Drive off Main Street into artworks in an effort to make a more beautiful environment.

The students chose to transform the dumpsters into aquariums of a sort, each one featuring different species of sea life that can be found in the ocean off our beaches.

Martin said that she and her students were “very excited to take on this art/community beautification project.” She also thanked Barnhill and Smith, and the city’s sanitation department for their cooperation and encouragement.

Students who participated in the project included Carly Kaufmann, Emma Keiner, Devin Conn, Jessica Beasley, Lizzie Jordan, Faith Jordan, Skyler Wallace-White, Alex Sophia, Kaylie Carpenter, and Aurora Downey.

RESULTS: June 6 City Council Meeting

During their June 6 meeting, the members of the North Myrtle Beach City Council approved a motion to issue a special event permit for a July 4, 9:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. professional fireworks display at the Cherry Grove Pier. The City of North Myrtle Beach and the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsors of this annual event.

City Council approved a motion to issue a special event permit for the parks and recreation department’s Music on Main concert series. The free concerts are held each Thursday, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., alternately at the Horseshoe (11 South Ocean Boulevard) and 202 Main Street from June 9 through October 6. The Music on Main concert series is sponsored by Anderson Brothers Bank. For a complete listing of concerts offered, visithttp://parks.nmb.us.

City Council passed second (final) reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance text as it pertains to temporary, seasonal requirements for near-beach parking.

Like other coastal towns and cities, North Myrtle Beach is in need of more near-ocean parking opportunities for residents and visitors. The need increases annually as tourism attendance grows and as residential developments are added within and outside the city limits.

Some who own lots in commercial sections of the city, such as Main Street, would like to offer year-round paid parking opportunities within 1,000 feet or less of the oceanfront. These privately owned and operated parking lots might be attractive to residents and visitors who don’t mind a short walk to the beach or paying for the convenience. Providing relief from paving, curbing and landscaping requirements within such parking lots makes their development financially feasible.

City Council held a Public Hearing on the proposed Parkway Planned Development District Agreement. No members of the public addressed City Council on the proposed agreement.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to amend the Parkway Planned Development District Agreement. The amendment will be accomplished via an amendment to the Parkway PDD Development Agreement and two additional amendments regarding the portion of the land to be developed by Coterra Chestnut, LLC and the portion of the land to be developed by NGD Property I, LLC and NDG Property II, LLC.

The agreement is applicable to all landowners within the PDD. To view a copy of the proposed agreement, visitwww.nmb.us and access the June 6 City Council meeting agenda packet or email pcdowling@nmb.us and a copy will be sent to you.

City Council denied first reading of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance text, Sections 23-68.2, to create pruning standards within the tree preservation regulations.

The proposed ordinance was generated by a concern among city parks and grounds personnel that some property owners were “topping” their canopy trees while pruning them, which can result in the death of a canopy tree over time. City Council determined that the ordinance as proposed was too subjective and, as written, would be difficult to enforce.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to rezone a 6.4 acre lot located on Main Street from HC (Highway Commercial) to PDD (Planned Development District).

Authorized agent David Glymph, on behalf of Cyn Mar Designs, Inc., submitted a petition for the rezoning of the lot, located between Barefoot Church and the BB&T bank on Main Street. It is also adjacent to a single-family residential neighborhood. The applicant wants to change the zoning district from HC (Highway Commercial) to PDD (Planned Development District). The development would be known as Town Centre on Main.

The property is vacant and unimproved. The Future Land Use Map in the City's 2010 Comprehensive Plan Update identifies the location with a "Highway Oriented Commercial" land use class. The proposed zoning district, PDD, is not a specifically recommended zoning district of this land use class, however, Chapter 6 "Future Growth" and Chapter 5 "Transportation" goals of the Comprehensive Plan support the request.

The purpose of the PDD zoning district is "to encourage flexibility in the development of land in order to promote its most appropriate use; to improve the design, character and quality of new development; to facilitate the provision of streets and utilities; and to preserve the natural and scenic features of open areas."

The proposed PDD is seen as an extension of the ongoing transformation of Main Street. Its prime location could encourage increased commercial and recreational activities along the Main Street corridor. Town Centre's architecture would reflect regional influences of the South Carolina lowcountry and would provide an attractive streetscape with an urban feel while maintaining a friendly, casual resort ambiance. The concept provides extensive pedestrian-friendly walkways within the development and many connections to existing city sidewalks. A proposed central plaza would adjoin the sidewalk along Main Street to engage the passerby with over 400 linear feet of highly visible and attractive frontage and access.

The proposal represents a mixed-use, connected, walkable and livable neighborhood designed to integrate into the existing community fabric.

As proposed, there would be 14,800 square feet of lease space, featuring mix of retail, office and dining. A freestanding 3,400 square foot restaurant, providing a focal point for the development and a venue to enjoy the natural water amenity located there, is also proposed.

The proposal includes 26 three-bedroom 2,553 square foot single-family attached townhome residences. Residences would be offered in both a mixed-use setting and straight residential land uses.

There would be a total of 20 1,728 square feet condominium units, for a total of 34,560 square feet of interior living space. The multifamily residences would be two-story condominium units located above ground-floor commercial lease space. The units would be accessible by elevator and stairs from the main plaza level.

The proposed project would be completed in seven phases, with the first phase to include the construction of seven three-bedroom attached townhomes and roadways providing connections from Cedar Avenue and Main Street.

Prior to second reading, City Council has asked the developer to provide a more precise development time frame, to reorganize some of the proposed development phases, to consider moving the location of the freestanding restaurant to a different location on the lake so that it is farther from and less intrusive to an existing residential neighborhood, and to ultimately achieve a consensus from an adjacent residential neighborhood over a proper method for screening of the property.

City Council tabled until its June 20 meeting the second reading of an ordinance to annex and zone one lot located adjacent to the Parkway Group PDD (PDD), which is located west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been approved before giving second reading to the proposed annexation and zoning.

City Council tabled until its June 20 meeting second reading of an ordinance for a major amendment to the Parkway Group Planned Development District (PDD) to allow changes to the previously approved phase known as the Waterway Hills Tract and to add a newly annexed area known as the Wilson Chestnut Tract. The area is referred to as “Grande Dunes North” in the PDD, which is located west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been approved before giving second reading to the proposed ordinance.

City Council tabled until its June 20 meeting second reading of an ordinance to amend the Parkway Group Planned Development District (PDD) to allow changes to the previously approved residential tracts known as Seashore Farms and L.L. Chestnut, referred to as “Waterside” in the PDD. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been approved before giving second reading of the proposed ordinance

Mayor Marilyn Hatley Names June 5-11 as “National Garden Week” in North Myrtle Beach

On June 1, Mayor Marilyn Hatley presented a proclamation to representatives of the Driftwood Garden Club setting aside the week of June 5-11 as National Garden Week in North Myrtle Beach.

L-R: Driftwood Garden Club Vice President Peggy Bias, Club Member & City Clerk Merideth Smith, Mayor Marilyn Hatley, Driftwood Garden Club President Joan Schuster, Club Members Emily Stephens and JoAnn Johnson.

Mayor Hatley’s proclamation notes that gardeners have a “passion for nurturing the beauty and resources of the earth through the planting of seeds, the care of all plants, and the riches of their efforts.” It also says that “gardeners advocate the importance of all creatures, large and small, that share our world and their roles in a balanced and productive ecology.” Gardening promotes a healthy lifestyle that lasts a lifetime, helps reduce stress from other areas of life, and teaches that rewards can come from diligent efforts. Mayor Hatley said that garden clubs are important to every community because they ensure a continued focus on preserving and enhancing natural beauty within the community. 

RESULTS – May 23 Special Called North Myrtle Beach City Council Meeting

During their May 23 Special Called Meeting, the members of the North Myrtle Beach City Council passed second (final) reading of the city’s FY 2017 Budget. The city’s budget year runs from July 1 to June 30.

The budget includes Governmental Funds (general fund, special revenue funds, capital improvement funds, debt service fund) expenditures of $54,088,271 and Enterprise Funds expenditures of $39,727,931 for a total of $93,816,202 in budgeted expenditures for all funds.

The budget is $13,656,195 million more than the fiscal year FY 2016 budget, due primarily to various street improvements, major water and sewer projects, storm water management improvement initiatives and other projects.

The budget includes a property tax increase of two mills, which will generate about $750,000 annually, primarily to help pay for four new public safety employees and their related equipment, and for enhanced paving and maintenance of the city’s roads. An increase of two mills in the property tax equates to $8 annually for each $100,000 of residential home value.

With the two mils property tax increase, the city’s property tax rate is 41.3 mils, which includes 6.2 mils that will be cut in October 2019 when the bond issue for the construction of the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex has been paid off. It is still the lowest tax rate in Horry County and one of the lowest in the state.

Currently, Surfside Beach offers a property tax rate of 46.2 mills, Briarcliff Acres 50.8 mills, Horry County 50.87 mills, Aynor 60.8 mills, Myrtle Beach 74.5 mills, Conway 82.4 mills, Atlantic Beach 84.5 mills, Loris 115 mills, and the Horry County School District 133.1 mills.

The budget also includes a $2 increase in the city’s monthly storm water management fee, which will be applied to local storm water improvement projects and will also help fund the next ocean outfall project at 18th Avenue North, construction of which is scheduled to begin in FY 2019 at a cost of about $11 million. The city will have about six ocean outfall projects remaining after the 18th Avenue North project has been completed, and the fee increase will also help to begin to fund those projects.

The storm water management fee was $6 per month for a single family home and has increased to $8 per month. The $4 per month storm water fee for a condo unit was $4 per month and has increased to $5.50 per month.

Some additional highlights of the FY 2017 Budget include the bond issue for the Cherry Grove dredging project; a final payment on a $1.2 million platform fire truck; in-house capital improvement projects; more than $1.5 million in road paving projects; the widening of Ocean Boulevard in the Crescent Beach section; placing overhead utilities underground in the same area; and improvements to 11th Avenue North.

The budget also includes some funding for the start of about $1.7 million in localized storm water improvement projects. The projects represent the city’s response to storm water drainage challenges that arose during the historically heavy rains experienced in North Myrtle Beach during September and October of 2015. Projects that will most likely have to be contracted out have been prioritized into four groups. A fifth group was created that includes projects the city may be able to accomplish using in-house personnel and equipment. Thus far, City Council has determined that the city may be able to tackle many of the storm water projects included in the first two priority groups during FY 2017, with the rest being accomplished in FY 2018 and FY 2019.

The continued addition of sidewalks and multipurpose paths in the city is also part of the budget. Since 1995, the city has installed 34 miles of sidewalks. The FY 2017 Budget includes additional sidewalks and paths for the East Coast Greenway along Water Tower Road near Barefoot Resort & Golf.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance text as it pertains to temporary, seasonal requirements for near-beach parking.

Like other coastal towns and cities, North Myrtle Beach has always been in need of more near-ocean parking opportunities for residents and visitors. This need increases annually as tourism attendance grows, and as residential developments are added within and outside the city limits.

Some business people who own lots in commercial sections of the city, such as Main Street, would like to be able to offer year-round paid parking opportunities within 1,000 feet or less of the oceanfront. These might be attractive to residents and visitors who don’t mind a short walk to the beach and paying for the convenience.

These would be privately owned and operated parking lots. Allowing these property owners to have relief from providing paving, curbing and landscaping within such parking lots may mean the difference between their being able to afford to offer additional parking or not.

City Council also met in Executive Session for a legal briefing regarding the Sandridge Development Agreement. Council did not take any action concerning the agreement.

April Palmetto Police Motorcycle Skills Competition Raised $9,000 for Camp Happy Days

The 2016 Palmetto Police Motorcycle Skills Competition held April 6-9 at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach included a fundraising component for Camp Happy Days, which provides support and encouragement to children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing cost free year-round programs, special events, and access to crisis resources.

PHOTO BY AMANDA HEIM – L-R:
North Myrtle Beach Police Chief Phil Webster,
LCPL Bobby Hall, LCPL Chris Shick,
Sgt Ray Pollock, Cindy Hay Johnson,
Myrtle Beach Police Sgt Jim Allen,
Horry County Police Cpl Jeffrey Todd,
North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Director Jay Fernandez.

On May 18, a check in the amount of $9,000 was presented to Cindy Hay Johnson, executive director of Camp Happy Days.

Since 1982, over 1,500 children with cancer and their families have benefitted from the cost-free, year-round programs at Camp Happy Days.

Thanks to all involved in the Palmetto Police Motorcycle Skills Competition, and to members of the public who donated to Camp Happy Days.

Explore Endangered Species through Painting and Sculpture Classes at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center

Persons 10 years of age and older are invited to participate in painting and sculpting Endangered Species Art Classes at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, 1030 Possum Trot Road, North Myrtle Beach. No painting or sculpting experience is necessary.

Classes with instructor Stephanie Sellers will occur Thursdays from June 2 through August 18. Morning classes will focus on painting endangered species on 16” x 20” stretched canvases using acrylic paints. Afternoon classes will focus on sculpture classes using Air Dry Clay (a safe, nontoxic medium) to create 8” to 12” figures of endangered species. Students will leave each class with their own unique, completed works of art.

Participants will also learn interesting facts about the different endangered species they work on. For example, one can explore the majesty of the Humpback Whale surfacing along our coast via an acrylic paint class in the morning, then use the afternoon class to explore the Humpback Whale in true form in a clay sculpting class using Air Dry Clay.

CLASS SCHEDULE

All painting classes are 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and all sculpting classes are 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

• June 2: HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLE
• June 16: LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE
• June 30: FIN WHALE
• July 7: AMERICAN ALLIGATOR
• July 21: WEST INDIAN MANATEE
• August 4: HUMPBACK WHALE
• August 18: KEMP’S RIDLEY SEA TURTLE

The fee is $35 for each class. Preregistration is required to ensure space and materials. Email Stephanie Sellers at Gaumedup@gmail.com or call (919)353-2522. Pay Pal payments are accepted.

For more information, visit the Facebook group North Myrtle Beach SC, Explore Endangered Species in Sculpture and Painting Facebook or call the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center at (843) 280-5584

Proposed NMB FY 2017 Budget goes before City Council May 16 and May 23

The North Myrtle Beach City Council will consider first reading of the city’s proposed FY 2017 Budget during its regularly scheduled May 16 meeting at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. City Council will consider second (final) reading of the proposed budget at a special called meeting on May 23, 2:00 p.m. The special called meeting is necessary because some Council members will be out of town during the month of June.

The city’s budget year runs from July 1 to June 30.

The proposed FY 2017 budget includes Governmental Funds (general fund, special revenue funds, capital improvement funds, debt service fund) expenditures of $54,088,271 and Enterprise Funds expenditures of $39,727,931 for a total of $93,816,202 in budgeted expenditures for all funds.

The proposed 2017 budget is $13,656,195 million more than the fiscal year FY 2016 budget, due primarily to various street improvements, major water and sewer projects, storm water management improvement initiatives and other projects.

During the budget retreat, City Council discussed a proposed property tax increase of two mills, which would generate about $750,000 annually, primarily to help pay for four new public safety employees, and enhanced paving and maintenance of the city’s roads.

An increase of two mills in the property tax equates to $8 annually for each $100,000 of residential home value.

The city’s current property tax rate is 39.3 mills, which includes 6.2 mills that will be cut in October 2019 when the bond issue for the construction of the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex has been paid off. The proposed two mills property tax increase would bring the city’s tax rate to 41.3 mills, still the lowest tax rate in Horry County and one of the lowest in the state.

Currently, Surfside Beach offers a property tax rate of 46.2 mills, Briarcliff Acres 50.8 mills, Horry County 50.87 mills, Aynor 60.8 mills, Myrtle Beach 74.5 mills, Conway 82.4 mills, Atlantic Beach 84.5 mills, Loris 115 mills, and the Horry County School District 133.1 mills.

City Council also discussed a proposed $2 increase in the city’s monthly storm water management fee, which would be applied to local storm water improvement projects and would also help fund the next ocean outfall project at 18th Avenue North, construction of which is scheduled to begin in FY 2019 at a cost of about $11 million. The city will have about six ocean outfall projects remaining after the 18th Avenue North project has been completed, and the fee increase will also help to begin to fund those projects.

The storm water management fee is currently $6 per month for a single family home and would increase to $8 per month. The fee is currently $4 per month for a condo unit and would increase to $5.50 per month.

Some additional highlights for the proposed FY 2017 Budget include the bond issue for the Cherry Grove dredging project; a final payment on a $1.2 million platform fire truck; in-house capital improvement projects; and more than $1.5 million in road paving projects.

Some additional projects include the widening of Ocean Boulevard in the Crescent Beach section, placing overhead utilities underground in the same area, and improvements to 11th Avenue North.

City Council also reviewed $1.7 million in proposed storm water improvement projects. The projects represent the city’s response to storm water drainage challenges that arose during the historically heavy rains experienced in North Myrtle Beach during September and October of 2015. Projects that would most likely have to be contracted out were prioritized into four groups. A fifth group was created containing projects that the city can accomplish using in-house personnel and equipment.

Thus far, City Council has determined that the city may be able to tackle many of the storm water projects included in the first two priority groups during FY 2017, with the rest being accomplished in FY 2018 and FY 2019.

The continued addition of sidewalks and multipurpose paths in the city is also part of the proposed budget. Since 1995, the city has installed 34 miles of sidewalks. The FY 2017 Budget proposes additional sidewalks and paths for the East Coast Greenway along Water Tower Road near Barefoot Resort & Golf.

NMB Public Safety Officer Keith Williams invites Windy Hill Residents to a May 14 "Meet Your Public Safety Officer" Event at Yow Park

North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Officer Keith Williams invites Windy Hill residents to join him on Saturday, May 14, 9am-11am, at Yow Park, 508 Windy Hill Road, to meet him and other Police Officers and Supervisors who patrol the Windy Hill neighborhood daily. (Some of the public safety employees will be joined by their families.) The event will include a bouncy house and prizes for kids, patrol cars, and an opportunity for residents to ask questions and get to know some of the Public Safety Officers who care about and keep your community safe.

Officer Keith Williams joined the Public Safety Department in August 2015. Prior to that, he served in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Policeman and retired with the rank of Sergeant Major in 2012 after 25 years of service.

One of the greatest honors in his life was to serve as a Marine, during which time he completed several combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, he served as a law enforcement officer in San Diego, CA for two years before deciding to head east to be closer to family.

Officer Williams was raised in Burlington, NC and married his high school sweetheart, Dawn. They have been married for 25 years and have three children, ages 10, 16 and 20.

In describing his objectives for his Windy Hill community focus, Officer Williams said, "I want residents to know that I am here to serve and protect all of them. I want to meet everyone and get to know their needs and concerns. If they see me driving around, they can feel free to stop me to ask any questions, express concerns, or just say hello."

Officer Williams added that, if he doesn't know the answer to a question offhand, he will  "research it, find the answer, and get back to you."

Hope you can make it to Yow Park on May 14!

NMB Tree City Board presents its May Tree of the Month Award to City Councilman J. O. Baldwin

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board has presented its May 2016 Tree of the Month Award to City Councilman Jay Baldwin for protecting and preserving a collection of very old Live Oak trees on his property at 404 14th Avenue South.

L-R  Ron Bruce, Dee Myers, Sean Hoelscher,
Caroline Driggers, Dexter Allen, Ruth Anne Ellis,
Tom Walker, and Jim Grainger

The property was originally owned by Baldwin’s grandparents, and he remembers the trees being sizeable when he would visit them as a young boy. His grandparents were the owners of the original 1940’s house that was built on the property, and they lived in the home until the 1990s.

When Baldwin decided to move to the location in 2000, he determined that the 1940s home could not be saved, so he demolished it and rebuilt on the site. He purposely designed his new house to sit among the grand old oaks in such a way as to preserve every tree. One tree, however, proved to be too close to the planned home, and acting on advice from the Clemson Extension Service, he dug up the tree, keeping as many of its roots intact as possible, and replanted it. He used a backhoe to dig a hole for the 15 foot wide root ball. The tree lived for another six years in its new location before succumbing to drought conditions around 2007. The remaining trees continue to thrive on his lot.

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board salutes Councilman Baldwin for his understanding of the value of the trees on his property, and his willingness to take extra measures to protect what are some of the more historic trees in the city. 

Property owners and developers who are interested in finding out more about how they can preserve trees on their property are invited to contact the Board at nmbtreeboard@nmb.us or 843-280-5571.

The Tree of the Month program began in 2010 as a way to recognize trees within the community that have been preserved over the years. It also provides a platform to remind people of the benefits and importance that trees offer in our everyday lives.

If you think you have the biggest, prettiest, or most unusual tree in North Myrtle Beach, or that your tree has a unique story attached to it, the Tree City Board encourages you to contact Parks & Grounds Superintendent Jim Grainger at (843) 280-5571 or via email at nmbtreeboard@nmb.us. 

North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market Opens May 6

The North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market season is May 6-October 28. The market will be open on Fridays, 10am-3pm.

The North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market is located at 925 1st Avenue South, between the Library and City Hall.

The North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market is part of the Waccamaw Market Cooperative (WMC), an incorporated 501c3 nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating and managing community based farmer’s markets throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties. Under the guidance of the Clemson Cooperative Extension, WMC has grown to include regional network of markets sponsored in partnership with public and private organizations throughout the region. The resulting structured market network ensures that virtually all communities in the Waccamaw Region benefit from access to fresh fruits and vegetables that farmers markets offer.

Public markets are not just places of commerce. Successful markets help grow and connect urban and rural economies. They encourage development, enhance real estate values and the tax base, and keep money in the local neighborhood. Public markets also offer low-risk business opportunities for vendors and feed money back into the rural economy where many vendors grow, raise and produce their products.

The spin-off benefits of markets are numerous. From increasing access to fresh, healthy food to providing important revenue streams, markets positively impact local businesses, governments and residents. But, perhaps most important is the way markets serve as public gathering places for people from different ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic communities. As one of the few places where people comfortably gather and meet, markets are our neighborhoods’ original civic centers.

RESULTS: May 2 North Myrtle Beach City Council Meeting

During the May 2 North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, Mayor Marilyn Hatley presented a proclamation directing that all flags on City buildings be flown at half-staff on May 15, which is Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Mayor Hatley said that members of the City’s public safety department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms for all citizens in the community. She reminded citizens of the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices of the community’s law enforcement officers.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. During Police Week, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

City Council tabled until its June 6 meeting second reading of an ordinance to annex and zone one lot located adjacent to the Parkway Group PDD (PDD), which is located west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been completed before giving second reading to the proposed annexation and zoning.

City Council tabled until its June 6 meeting second reading of an ordinance for a major amendment to the Parkway Group Planned Development District (PDD) to allow changes to the previously approved phase known as the Waterway Hills Tract and to add a newly annexed area known as the Wilson Chestnut Tract. The area is referred to as “Grande Dunes North” in the PDD, which is located west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been completed before giving second reading to the proposed ordinance.

City Council tabled until its June 6 meeting second reading of an ordinance to amend the Parkway Group Planned Development District (PDD) to allow changes to the previously approved residential tracts known as Seashore Farms and L.L. Chestnut, referred to as “Waterside” in the PDD. Council wants to wait until an associated Development Agreement has been completed before giving second reading of the proposed ordinance

City Council adopted a Resolution to exercise the City's option to extend the lease between the City and Midcon Cable Co. Inc. In April of 2014 the City leased a portion of its warehouse located on the corner of 6th Avenue South and Bay Street to Midcon for a term of two years with an annual lease rate of $156,896. The lease rate increased per a lease formula.

Midcon requested that the City exercise its option to extend the lease for an additional two year term from April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2018 with an annual lease rate beginning at $166,451.16. The rate will increase the second year of the lease extension via a formula contained in the lease.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to authorize the addition of a third parasail boat to the Parasail and Banana Boat Franchise granted to Randle Duke. Council previously authorized Duke to operate a parasail and banana boat business from the beach in the vicinity of Sea Mountain Highway and Ocean Boulevard.

When the franchise was first awarded to Duke, the agreement authorized the use of three parasail boats and a $45,000 franchise fee. Thereafter, Duke requested that the agreement be amended to allow only two parasail boats and a $15,000 reduction of the franchise fee from $45,000 to $30,000. Council agreed to the requested amendment.

On April 15, 2016, Duke requested that the agreement be amended again to allow the use of three parasail boats. City staff informed Duke that it would present the requested amendment to City Council but the amendment would also include a $15,000 fee increase from $30,000 per year to $45,000 per year.

City Council passed first reading of an amendment to the Zoning Text to create a new inland multifamily zoning district (R-4i) to allow multifamily and non-medical commercial or office uses on properties not adjacent to the oceanfront.

Council directed staff to investigate creating a new zoning district similar to R-4 that would allow multi-family, but at lesser intensities and shorter building heights for properties away from the oceanfront. As a result, staff has proposed a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to create a new inland multi-family zoning district to be called R-4i (Inland Multifamily Residential).

Resembling R-4, the new district's purpose statement references a need to provide for reduced intensity multi-family in areas inland from the ocean, which are distinctly different from resort-style development represented along the oceanfront or with an ocean view. The purpose of the proposed R-4i district is to allow multi-family similar to the R-4 zoning district, but with less intensity for inland locations; however, not at the expense of visibility and access by the community to the ocean or the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to rezone one lot containing about 1.22 acres located at the corner of Vereen Road and Bay Colony Drive from R-24 (Mid-Rise Multifamily Residential) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial).

The vacant, unimproved property is zoned R-24. It is adjacent to the current single-family Marina Bay subdivision, which is zoned R24, and is surrounded by HC (Highway Commercial) to the east and LI

(Limited Industrial) to the north.

The Future Land Use Map in the City's 2010 Comprehensive Plan Update identifies this area with a "Marina Mixed Use" land use class. The proposed zoning district, NC, is a recommended zoning district of this particular land use class.

City Council adopted a Resolution to exercise the City's option to extend a Banana Boat Franchise Agreement between the City and Jeff Ray regarding the operation of a banana boat business on the beach in the area seaward of North Beach Plantation.

The agreement, entered into in April 2011, authorized Ray to operate a banana boat business on the beach seaward of the dune line in the area of North Beach Plantation. The original term of the agreement was for a term of five years, which will expire December 31, 2016.

Article II, Section I of the agreement allows the City the option to extend the agreement for an additional five year term and Ray requested that the City exercise that option. The additional five year term begins January 1, 2017 and expires December 31, 2021.

The franchise fee for 2017 will be $21,000 and will increase by five percent successively for each year of the extended term.

Sunday Pops in the Park

THIS SUNDAY!

BRING A CHAIR or BLANKET to the NMB Park and Sports Complex Sandhills Bank Amphitheater for a FREE concert featuring the North Myrtle Beach Community Band and the Stardusters BIG Band.  The concert will take place on Sunday, May 1st @ 5:00pm.

The program for the afternoon will include many crowd-favorites such as:

- Theme from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

- The Dam Busters

- Carnaval in Sao Paulo

- And other Jazz Standards from the Stardusters BIG Band

Join us for a great afternoon of fun music!

In case of inclement weather the concert will be moved to the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center at 7:30pm.

More information about this concert can be found on the NMB Community Band's facebook page, by clicking here.  

Join us THIS SUNDAY for what is sure to be a fantastic afternoon of music!

May 1 Divas Half Marathon Route May Require Some to Accesses Churches via Alternate Roads

The May 1 Divas Half Marathon route may require those who attend the following places of worship to access them via alternate roads: Church of the Lost and Found, Trinity Methodist Church, Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, Barefoot Church, Lakeside Baptist Church, King of Glory Lutheran Church, St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

On the morning of May 1, half marathon participants will be running along the main routes where these churches are located at about the following times:

§  Church of the Lost and Found:

§  6:45am-7:30am – Northbound land Ocean Blvd shut down. Enter Ocean Blvd from 6^th Avenue North.

§  Trinity United Methodist Church:

§  7:20 a.m.-8:15 a.m. – Half marathon participants should be running north on Hillside Drive and will be crossing 14^th Avenue South.

§  Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church:

§  7:00 a.m.-7:15 a.m. – Participants should be running south on Ocean Boulevard. 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. – Participants should be running north on Hillside Drive.

§  Barefoot Church:

§  7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m. – Participants should be running up the west bound lane of Main Street and turning right on to Ye Olde Kings Highway.

§  Lakeside Baptist Church, King of Glory Lutheran Church, St. Stephens Episcopal Church:

§  7:50 a.m.-9:45 a.m. – The westbound lane of 11^th Avenue North will be closed to vehicle traffic. All runners should have cleared 11^th Avenue North by 10:00 a.m.

For more information about the Divas Half Marathon event, please contact the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 280-5570.

Greg Frazier hired as North Myrtle Beach Fire Marshal

The City of North Myrtle Beach has hired Greg Frazier as its new Fire Marshal. He will report to work on May 2. 

Frazier has worked in the fire service for 30 years. He retired in early 2016 after 15 years in the Fire Marshal’s office in Raleigh, NC. He served as shift Deputy Fire Marshal in Raleigh for the past six years.

Frazier has extensive experience in inspections, the testing of fire protection installations, and operations involving all occupancy classes. He has also taught fire inspection certification classes for over 20 years.

Before joining the Raleigh Fire Department, Frazier served as Fire Marshal for the city of Henderson, NC. 

“Our area was listed recently as one of the fastest growing areas in the United States,” said Fire Chief Garry Spain, “and Raleigh is listed as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. That experience with growth should help Greg in his transition to our area, and it will be of great benefit to us.”

“With his experience in the fire service, as well as his outgoing personality, we feel like Greg will be a great fit for North Myrtle Beach,” said Public Safety Director Jay Fernandez.  “We are very excited to have him join the department.”