Grand Strand Officials Travel to Washington to Discuss Future of Grand Strand's Federal Beach Renourishment Program

North Myrtle Beach, Horry County and Myrtle Beach Officials Travel to Washington to Discuss Future of Grand Strand's Federal Beach Renourishment Program

Left to Right: Steve Gosnell, Marilyn Hatley,
Johnny Gardner, Jackie Hatley and Mike Mahaney.

On October 3 in Washington, North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley, Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner, Myrtle Beach Councilwoman Jackie Hatley, Horry County Administrator Steve Gosnell and North Myrtle Beach City Manager Mike Mahaney met with officials at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Tim Scott and Congressman Tom Rice. The officials requested a reevaluation of the Myrtle Beach Shore Protection Project, the formal name for the Grand Strand’s continuing federal beach renourishment project.

The Myrtle Beach Shore Protection Project was authorized for construction by Section 101 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1990, with federal participation in periodic beach nourishment authorized until 2046. The project covers three reaches: Reach 1 (North Myrtle Beach), Reach 2 (Myrtle Beach), and Reach 3 (Surfside Beach/Garden City). This project provides for periodic beach renourishment to provide shore protection to the Grand Strand, one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations (17.9 million visitors annually).

Storm Damages: The Myrtle Beach Shore Protection Project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was damaged repeatedly through erosion and rainfall in recent years by Hurricanes Joaquin (2015), Matthew (2016), Irma (2017), Florence and Michael (2018), and Hurricane Dorian (2019). Joaquin’s damage to the sand that provides protection to people, buildings and public infrastructure was severe. Within a year, Matthew’s damage exacerbated Joaquin’s damage. As repairs from Joaquin and Matthew were underway, Irma caused the loss of 1.4 million cubic yards of sand. The Corps returned post-storm to bring the beaches back to their design template. Hurricanes Florence and Michael caused severe erosion, replaced in 2019 by Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies funds appropriated in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019. Only a few months after repair, Hurricane Dorian damaged the beaches.

Request for Federal Assistance: The original project specifications may no longer provide an adequate level of protection for the Grand Strand’s beaches. Horry County and the Cities that make up the Grand Strand Coastal Alliance submitted letters to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requesting an increase of the Corps General Investigations account to provide enough funding to conduct a General Revaluation Report (GRR) for the project. If the request is granted, the process would involve:

1. Conducting an evaluation of the existing design of the project, including its dunes and berm, to determine if any components of the project's design need to be modified to better provide resilience to the impact of waves on structures, infrastructure and life and safety. We asked that the evaluation be as broad as possible and that it include all potential measures from hard structures, beach nourishment and environmental restoration that are allowed under law and can be justified under Corps policies.

2. Reviewing erosive hot spots that occurred post construction at one or more points of the 26 miles of the project's shoreline to determine if the project design should be modified in any way.

3. Evaluating the eligibility of the Arcadian Shores section of the project for inclusion of the authorized project either as a separate reach or attached to one or more of the existing reaches of the project due to the developments that have occurred in recent years.

4. Reevaluating the appropriate berm height for the project given the concerns of sea level rise and intensifying storms. Originally, the Corps recommended a 9 foot height but Horry County asked that the berms be constructed to a lower height in Reach 3 of the project. Given the increase in property at risk, the Alliance has asked that the reevaluation occur as part of the requested project reformulation or, if possible, in a more expeditious manner.

5. Determining whether the remaining portion of the developed shoreline in Georgetown County up to Murrells Inlet can be included in the authorized project.

Jeanette Lyon Appointed to North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board

Jeanette Lyon (fourth from left in accompanying photo) was appointed by City Council to serve a four-year term on the North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board. We thank her for her service!

The Tree City Board meets quarterly, although special meetings may also be held.

The Tree City Board advises the City in all tree related matters; serves as a source of information about proper tree maintenance techniques and community tree management policies; make recommendations for public tree establishment, maintenance, protection and removal; provides input to the public grounds superintendent for the development of an annual work plan and long-range planning; reviews the City’s tree ordinance, tree planting master plan, and recommends changes to the same at least every two years; promotes and supports the Tree City USA program; and undertakes other responsibilities as City Council may direct.

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 Tree City Board at nmbtreeboard@nmb.us.

The Tree City Board developed and manages the Tree of the Month program, which began in 2010 as a way to recognize trees within the city that have been preserved over the years. The Tree of the Month program 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, best-looking, or most unusual tree in North Myrtle Beach, or 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.

LEFT TO RIGHT IN THE ACCOMPANYING PHOTO: Tree City Board members Caroline Driggers, John Sloop, Dee Myers, Jeanette Lyon, and Chairman Tom Walker.

Enjoy NTranze in a Free September 26 Concert at the Horseshoe on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach

Enjoy NTranze in a free concert on Thursday, September 26, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Horseshoe on Main Street.

Concert goers can expect a great show filled with variety and dance hits.

Bring a beach chair.

This free concert is sponsored by Coastal Carolina National Bank (CCNB) and is part of the City's Music on Main summer concert series.

NOTES:

FREE CONCERT SERIES EXPANDS INTO OCTOBER

The City's Music on Main concert series now extends into October. The added concerts are Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot on October 3, and Chairman of the Board on October 10, both 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Horseshoe on Main Street.

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 parks.nmb.us.

Irish Italian International Festival is September 28 in North Myrtle Beach

The 16th Annual Irish Italian International Festival is Saturday, September 28, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Admission is free.

The one-day rain or shine event attracts about 15,000 people.

“We like to celebrate all cultures that day, so it’s not just about being Irish or Italian,” said North Myrtle Beach Special Events Director Tina McCrackin. “It’s a great way to kick off the fall season.”

Over 100 vendors offer food, arts and crafts, gifts, and more. Vendors will compete for Best Entrée, Best Decorated, and Best Dessert.

Festival-goers can participate in a friendly Spaghetti Eating Contest without using their hands.

A children’s area offers a variety of entertainment including rides, inflatables and more. A nominal fee is charged.

The festival includes street performers and two stages of entertainment.

The Irish Stage features Irish pop star Brendan O’Connor, Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes & Drums, acoustic trio Mark McKinney & Co., and the energetic Irish duo, House of Hamill.

The Italian Stage offers Rat Pack-style singer Dave Mosher, and Larry Tanelli and Friends.

Rounding out the musical entertainment is the American beach music band, The Catalinas.

Irish Stage

10:00 AM -- Brendan O’Connor

10:30 AM -- Opening Ceremonies

10:45 AM -- Brendan O’Connor

11:30 AM -- Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes & Drums

11:45 AM -- Mark McKinney Band

1:30 PM – 4:00 PM -- House of Hamill

Italian / International Stage

10:00 AM -- Dale Mosher

10:30 AM -- Opening Ceremonies

10:45 AM -- Dale Mosher

11:30 AM -- Larry Tanelli & Friends

1:00 PM -- The Catalina’s

2:16 PM -- Spaghetti Eating Contest

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM -- The Catalina’s

Festival sponsors include the City of North Myrtle Beach, Easy 105.9, Flynn’s Irish Tavern, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and WFXB Fox TV.

For more information on this festival and other events happening in North Myrtle Beach visit parks.nmb.us.

Results - September 16 North Myrtle Beach City Council Meeting

Left to Right: City Manager Mike Mahaney, Michael Thrower, Bryan Floyd,
Nathan Marker, John Stanley.

Prior to the September 16 North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, Council members met in executive session to:

-- Discuss and receive attorney advice on proposed amendments to the Parkway Planned Development District Development Agreement

-- To discuss and receive attorney advice on documents identified as Separate and Independent Amendment to the Master Development Agreement.

-- To discuss the appointment of a City resident to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Council took no action.

During the Council meeting, Employee Longevity Awards went to Firefighter EMT John Stanley (10 years of service), Public Safety Officer Bryan Floyd (5), Health & Safety Officer Nathan Marker (5), and Public Safety Officer/Rotating Detective Michael Thrower (5). The awards occur in five-year increments for employees who consistently provide excellent customer service.

City Council approved a motion to appoint three new members to the Board of Construction Appeals. The new board members are Ed Danes, Edward Hughes, and Callie Wise.

City Council held a Public Hearing on an ordinance to amend the Parkway Planned Development District (PDD) Development Agreement.

The ordinance would amend the method of reimbursement to the City from the various landowners within the PDD for construction and paving costs associated with the PDD interchange. The City paid $3.2 million for the interchange and paving of a section of Water Tower Road, with the development agreement requirement that the property owners reimburse the City via a fee per residential unit and a per-square-foot fee for commercial space, paid at the issuance of building permits. However, since the original development agreement a small portion of the PDD is now in conservation easement. The amended development agreement would require each landowner, with the exception of Chubby Chicken, to pay the City a fixed reimbursement amount in five equal payments based on an eight-year amortization schedule, beginning December 31, 2020, with a balloon payment of all amounts still due and owing by December 31, 2024. Chubby Chicken would pay the City three equal payments of $100,000 beginning December 31, 2020.

The amounts the landowners would pay to the City under the amended development agreement are:

-- Henry Road West: $869,000

-- Coterra: $864,000

-- NDG II: $532,000

-- NDG I: $150.000

-- Apache: $443,000

-- Chubby Chicken: $300,000 (Conservation Easement)

-- Myrtle Holding: $42,000

-- TOTAL: $3,200,000

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to amend the Parkway Planned Development District Development Agreement. The ordinance would amend the method of reimbursement to the City from the various landowners within the PDD for construction and paving costs associated with the PDD interchange.

City Council tabled a Public Hearing on an ordinance to approve documents identified as the Separate and Independent Amendment to the Master Development Agreement regarding the portions of the Parkway Planned Development District (PDD) owned by Coterra Chestnut, LLC and NDG Property II, LLC, respectively. Council will schedule a workshop on the proposed ordinance.

City Council tabled first reading of an ordinance to approve documents identified as the Separate and Independent Amendment to the Master Development Agreement regarding the portions of the Parkway Planned Development District (PDD) owned by Coterra Chestnut, LLC and NDG Property, LLC, respectively. Council will schedule a workshop on the proposed ordinance.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 5, Beaches & Waterways, Section 5-5, Surfboards to expand surfing zones.

Currently, five surf zones allow for surfing May 15-September 15, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. There are additional areas where beach usage is sufficiently low to allow for expansion of surfing areas.

The proposed additional surfing zones:

-- Begin at Hog Inlet and end at 5th Avenue North with the exception of 300 feet on the north side and south side of the Cherry Grove Pier.

-- Begin at 6th Avenue South and end at 27th Avenue South.

-- Begin at the Town of Atlantic Beach southern limit and end at 46th Avenue South.

The director of public safety or his designee may temporarily prohibit surfboarding and/or skimboarding in these areas for public safety purposes.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance offering a major amendment to the Robber’s Roost Planned Development District (PDD), revising standards for the Neighborhood Overlay Zone pertaining to porches and recessed garages. The amendment would affect the residential portion of the PDD. Chris Manning of Robbers Roost @ NMB, LLC requested the amendment.

As presented for first reading, the architectural standards would:

-- Delete the requirement for garage doors to be recessed from the front facade, allowing garage doors to protrude forward from the front facade no more than four feet. Council members indicated that during second reading of this ordinance, they might amend the ordinance to limit the protrusion of garage doors to no more than two feet.

-- Require a minimum of 20 feet of driveway between any garage door and the front property line. Council members indicated that during second reading of this ordinance they might amend the ordinance to require 24 feet of driveway.

-- Revise the minimum width of porches to require 25 percent of the frontage of the facade facing the street or a six-foot minimum when a third garage bay is part of the home design.

City Council passed first reading of an ordinance offering a major amendment to the Barefoot Landing Planned Development District (PDD), adding rooftop signage to the Joe’s Crab Shack building and revising the approved master site plan. Seth McCoy of Barefoot Landing Commercial, LLC requested the amendment.

The proposed changes to the master site plan would:

-- Add two bar areas located over the water near the new Crooked Hammock Brewery site and at the former Joe's Crab Shack site.

-- Reconfigure one of the currently approved floating bridges to provide more exposure for the former Joe's Crab Shack site.

North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board Picks a Turkey Oak for its Tree of the Month Award for September

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board selected a Turkey Oak located at Rountree Printing, 2404 Madison Drive, as its Tree of the Month for September.

In 1971, prior to buying the beach house and starting Rountree Printing, Steve Rountree moved into the house as a rental tenant. B.R. Hunt, the original owner, told Steve the tree was already there when the house was built shortly after Hurricane Hazel. The tree is 80-90 years old.

The Turkey Oak or Quercus laevis is a member of the red oak group of oaks. It is native to the southeastern United States, occurring on the coastal plain from Virginia south to central Florida, and west to southeast Louisiana. The name Turkey Oak derives from the resemblance of the leaves to a turkey's foot.

The Turkey Oak is highly drought and wind resistant, and produces acorns, a food source for black bears, turkeys, and white tailed deer. The tree typically grows to a height of 40 feet but can reach 70 feet in its native setting.

ABOUT THE TREE OF THE MONTH PROGRAM

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

If you have a tree you would like to be considered for the Tree of the Month award, contact Parks & Grounds Superintendent Jim Grainger at (843) 280-5571 or via email at nmbtreeboard@nmb.us. 

Property owners and developers interested in finding out how they can preserve trees on their property may contact the North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board at nmbtreeboard@nmb.us.

HURRICANE DORIAN - SEPTEMBER 4 - MORNING UPDATE

Since the National Hurricane Center track prediction continues to take Hurricane Dorian dangerously close to the southeast U.S. coast, North Myrtle Beach residents should remain alert to the possibility of experiencing destructive winds, flooding rains, and life-threatening storm surges.

 

KEY POINTS FOR NORTH MYRTLE BEACH:

-- The timeline for the hurricane track as it approaches North Myrtle Beach has slowed. Given its current course, we would see rain bands and some wind gusts later today with sustained tropical storm force winds projected to move in on Thursday morning instead of late today (Wednesday).

-- Rainfall predictions for our area have moved up closer to 10-inches with localized spots receiving up to 15-inches. That is a lot of rain in a comparatively short period of time. Please stay off the roads.

-- At this time, the storm surge forecast mirrors a Matthew-level surge for the high tide cycles on Thursday, the first of which occurs at about 1:30 pm. If you live in Cherry Grove and other low-lying areas of the city, it would be smart to complete your storm preparations and evacuate.

-- There is an increased chance for hurricane force winds for a short period of time Thursday night into late night hours.

-- Remember, Myrtle Beach is situated in the center of a crescent but North Myrtle Beach juts out more into the ocean. That is why hurricanes impact us differently at times than they do our neighbors to the south, especially when a hurricane that is already close to the coastline takes a slight jog to the west, as this one still can.

-- Monitor this hurricane.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC):

-- The City's EOC is staffed and operating.

-- Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies only.

-- For information, explanations or to report something, call 843-280-5511, the number for the City's Dispatch Center, staffed by multiple employees.

CITY HALL:

-- City Hall is open today.

SANITATION SERVICES:

-- As announced yesterday, collections occur normally today. We are reviewing projected Thursday morning wind speeds and will make an announcement regarding Thursday pick up soon.

BAREFOOT SWING BRIDGE:

-- With U.S. Coast Guard approval, the City-owned and operated Barefoot Swing Bridge is now locked into position for motor vehicle traffic only. It will not open to boat traffic until the hurricane has passed.

MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER IN EFFECT:

-- Remember, the Governor has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Zone "A" in Horry County, including North Myrtle Beach.

For more information on emergency preparedness in South Carolina, visit https://www.scemd.org