The City of Myrtle Beach will likely vote in year round paid parking on second reading this May 9th. City Council approved the measure on first reading. The change will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
Previously, locals and tourists could park free in Myrtle Beach from November to March 1st.
“I know that sounds strange, but if you have regular parking throughout the year, there’s no learning curve for everybody when you go back to having paid parking in March, or when you go away from having paid parking at the end of October,” City Spokesman Mark Kruea explained.
The city is estimating the all-year parking revenue would bring in about an additional quarter of a million dollars each year.
Kruea said, “The parking money gets reinvested back into the area from which it was generated, so it will go back into the downtown projects that we’re doing; the arts and innovation district; and, it would also help provide additional parking down the road.“
IMPACT ON DOWNTOWN BUSINESS
Few Horry County Residents, residents of the Dunes Club, and Market Common residents dare to visit the crime ridden area that is downtown Myrtle Beach.
The increase in parking will only affect merchants whose restaurants are located along what is known as the Golden Mile section of the city.
Impacts on merchants are expected to be minimal.