A helicopter tour business will be allowed to operate while it appeals a ruling that could put it out of business.
Horry County Circuit Court ruled Wednesday that Helicopter Adventures, which opened in May, can continue tours from its launching site off 21st Avenue North behind NASCAR SpeedPark while it appeals an Horry County Board of Zoning Appeals ruling. Last week, the board overturned the November decision of Horry County Zoning Administrator Rennie Mincey allowing the business to operate.
Freddie Rick, owner of Helicopter Adventures, said last week he intended to continue operating while he appealed the board’s ruling.
Horry County Circuit Court granted Rick’s request to prevent Horry County from enforcing the board’s decision -- which would force the business to shut down -- while Rick’s appeal of the decision is pending, according to public relations firm LHWH, which represents Helicopter Adventures.
“We are grateful that we will be allowed to operate our business as we challenge the ruling of the Zoning Board of Appeals,” Rick said in a news release.
Controversy over Helicopter Adventures surfaced shortly after the tour company opened in late May with a ticket booth at Broadway at the Beach and a takeoff and landing spot nearby off 21st Avenue North.
Some Plantation Point residents complained about noise from the helicopters, and the business changed its flight paths aiming to ease the affect on neighbors. Some neighbors say they still hear the noise and it is having a negative affect on their property values.
Rick said that he obtained necessary approval from Mincey in November before building the business here and says he continues to meet all federal, state and local rules. The Zoning Board of Appeals overturned Mincey’s decision in a 4-3 vote Sept. 10.
Contact DAWN BRYANT at 626-0296 or at dbryant@thesunnews.com or follow her at Twitter.com/TSN_dawnbryant.
