NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The North Myrtle Beach City Council held a City Council Workshop to discuss The Preserve on Monday, February 24, at 1:30 PM at City Hall.
The City Council Workshop provided an opportunity for Council Members, City Staff, and the Developer to discuss The Preserve and to arrive at the best possible outcome for all involved.
Background
The City Council approved the major amendment creating The Preserve at its December 5, 2022, meeting. On December 12, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended approval of a major PDD amendment; however, City Council postponed action to consider a broader development picture. At a January 27, 2024, workshop, the Council reviewed this amendment and received it favorably, though it had not yet undergone Public Works review. Most recently, on February 4, 2024, the Planning Commission once again recommended approval of the major amendment, noting Public Works comments. Efforts were made to address these comments between the Planning Commission and City Council meetings, but no resolution was reached.
The Preserve is located between Highway 22 and Carolina Bays Parkway, just off Water Tower Road.
Proposed Changes by the Developer
The Developer submitted an amendment request for the Parkway Group PDD to modify the multi-family area and the parcel previously designated as build-to-rent. The proposed changes include:
- Removal of Commercial Component: Eliminates the previously approved 10,000 square foot commercial space.
- Introduction of 20’-Wide Alleys for Access: Adds platted rights-of-way (alleys) to provide access to fee-simple residential units in the former build-to-rent section.
- Reconfiguration of Build-to-Rent Neighborhood: Increases the number of dwelling units from 207 to 251 by removing the commercial element and reconfiguring the layout.
- Replacement of Five-Story Towers: Removes the originally planned 370 multi-family units in five-story towers. Instead, the plan converts this area to a townhome neighborhood and converts a portion of the paired-villa section into townhomes.
- Adjusted Total Unit Count: Establishes 135 townhomes, bringing the total count to 613 dwelling units—191 fewer than originally entitled.
- Revised Setbacks: Reduces front setbacks from 10 feet to 5 feet. Side setbacks remain at 5 feet (or 0 feet for shared walls), and rear setbacks remain at 5 feet.
City Council is pleased with the reduced total unit count, the elimination of five-story multi-family buildings, and the green space; however, they have concerns over the viability of private parking due to the constrained maneuvering space.
During the Workshop, City Council requested a further reduction in the density to allow more space for rights-of-way.
It is important that the public understand that this development was approved by City Council in 2022. The Developer is seeking to amend this plan due to the current development conditions in the area. City Council is happy to work with developers to find solutions that benefit the community as a whole.