The Grand Strand Humane Society has successfully acquired the land to construct a new animal shelter, despite facing resistance from the Waterside Residential community. The animal shelter deal at Waterside Riverside Residential community has been approved.
The South Carolina Joint Bond Review Committee officially approved the agreement on Wednesday, after Santee Cooper agreed in December to provide the nonprofit organization with a 40-year lease on approximately 10 acres of land near Myrtle Beach at no charge.
Sources informed MyrtleBeachSC News, that Horry County S.C. Senator Luke Rankin brought all of the resources necessary to get the animal shelter deal at Waterside Riverside approved.
We are informed Rankin made it clear to all associated legislative members that if they voted against him, none of the bills they desired for their districts would make it across his desk.
Last night, Fitsnews chronicled the process. The news organization named the video RankinGate.
The lease was approved by the committee, with six members in favor, Rep. Heather Ammons-Crawford and Sen. Ronnie Cromer opposing it, and Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter choosing not to vote.
Before the vote took place, Marty Watson, the chief commercial officer of Santee Cooper, addressed concerns raised by residents regarding the humane society lease. He reassured the committee that the humane society is actively working to address these concerns and denied any violations related to a conflict of interest involving one of its board members. Despite Sen. Cromer’s suggestion to allow a resident opposed to the lease to speak and to postpone the vote, committee chairman Sen. Harvey Peeler declined, stating that the meeting was not intended to be a town hall.
Rep. Cobb-Hunter recommended that Santee Cooper reconsider its leasing policies to avoid similar issues in the future, emphasizing the importance of local decision-making. The humane society, which had to relocate due to a rat infestation, has been searching for a new property for over three years and has raised funds to build a new facility. The facility is expected to include a pet clinic, pet food bank, and cat cafe, with plans to begin construction in February 2025. Concerned residents living near the proposed shelter site have expressed worries about increased traffic, noise, and decreased property values.
Recent reports have revealed potential political connections influencing the land deal, with Santee Cooper records showing involvement from Lindsey Rankin and David Singleton, who have both denied any unethical behavior.
Despite these concerns, Santee Cooper’s internal investigation found no conflict of interest.
The animal shelter construction at Waterside Riverside Residential community is projected to begin in early 2025.