Myrtle Beach City council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the sale of 145 acres of oceanfront land comprising two campgrounds. The city is agreeing to sell the land for $60 million between two properties, who currently lease the land from the city.
Myrtle Beach City Attorney, William Bryan Jr. this morning readily admitted the ownership of the land was in dispute and that the city currently does not have a clear title.
Horry County Council insists the proceeds of the sale should go towards the airport. The land was gifted to the City of Myrtle Beach with a 1953 understanding that the use of funds from any disposition of the land would go towards funding the Myrtle Beach Airport.
Horry County Councilman Johnny Vaught told the Myrtle Beach Sun News, “Right now we’re insisting that they follow the lease, the way the thing is written and that we continue to go ahead, if they’re going to sell it, then we’re going to have to be involved in that process, and see that the proceeds go to the [airport].”
Horry County has made it clear it intends to sue the City of Myrtle Beach. Despite such, Myrtle Beach City Council voted unanimously to sell the land contingent upon whatever comes from the impending lawsuit.
City council members discussed the potential outcomes of a lawsuit with the county.
If a judge rules the sale cannot go through, Myrtle Beach City Council discussed extending the campgrounds’ lease with the two different lease holders for another 25 years.
Council member Gregg Smith said the city shouldn’t own land that isn’t intended for city use.
We apologize for the poor audio above. The City of Myrtle Beach intentionally turns their mics low, which is frustrating for local media. Through masks, it is hard to hear the muffled comments of city leaders and staff.
The Myrtle Beach City Attorney stated today that the matter could be tied up in the courts for several years.