Residents tell council “do not create a Georgetown County Market Common”

David Hucks

Waccamaw Neck residents do not want a Georgetown County Market Common in Murrells Inlet or Pawleys Island.

GEORGETOWN, S.C. – Georgetown County Council approved a plan Tuesday night that some say will bring more Market Common like development to Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island.

In a 5-2 vote, the council approved the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.

Many residents at Tuesday night’s meeting said they were disappointed that officials still did not listen to them since the plan was brought before the county planning commission in May. Waccamaw Neck residents said they don’t want to see the area become another Georgetown County Market Common.

In 2020, the county started working on the plan, which came up with five revised versions.

According to environmental advocacy groups like Keep It Green, the plan would allow for a population increase of 63%.

Several times before, Keep It Green executive director Cindy Person asked officials to defer the rapid growth plan. The concerns are the plan will create a Market Common like feel in growth for the county.

Market Common is a subdivision in Myrtle Beach, SC that many Georgetown County residents do not wish to see replicated. The unique charm of towns like Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet are the laid back concept preferred by locals.

“Fast-tracking this plan tonight just to get something approved or to get on with it would be the worst outcome,” Person said.

Officials have strengthened environmental protections since the plan’s first and second readings, according to county planning director Holly Richardson.

A portion of the Waccamaw Neck is represented by Councilmember Bob Anderson in District 2, and District 3 Councilmember Everett Carolina voted against the plan. Anderson said he has seen a lot of development and people moving to the area since 2016.

Because this plan is very important to me, Anderson said, he would appreciate it if we could defer this reading, the third reading. Having said that, plans are to be followed. They aren’t just plans. From my perspective, I want to ensure that this plan benefits the Waccamaw Neck community as well as all of the county.

Keep It Green said it wasn’t surprised by the outcome and would continue to monitor the plan’s progress.

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