Here’s the latest on plans to change the Myrtle Beach Speedway
Plans to rezone the Myrtle Beach Speedway have finally gone in front of Horry County’s Planning Commission.
Earlier this year, owners of the historic speedway said the track would be sold if a rezoning request is approved. And now that request is finally up for consideration.
The planning commission met for a workshop meeting on Thursday, but no decision was made.
Commissioners will meet next Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to give its recommendation on the request. Members of the public can voice their concerns or support of the plans at this meeting.
Once the commission makes its recommendation, Horry County Council will ultimately approve or disapprove of the plans through a three-reading ordinance process.
The speedway has existed since the 1950s and predates Horry County’s zoning ordinance. The property is currently zoned highway commercial that has a variety of commercial uses but not residential.
Applicant Keane McLaughlin is seeking a new zoning code, RE3, that would allow for a mixture of uses including a hotel, town homes, office space, retail, senior living homes, medical offices and warehouse storage. Approving the rezoning allows some flexibility for its uses in the future.
The racetrack property is 45 acres and sits off U.S. Highway 501 near the Tanger Outlets.
In May, track owner Bob Lutz said the rezoning allows the developer to have a mix of commercial and residential uses on the property.
“I do think it’s a great use of the property and the residents will really like what is being done there,” Lutz said in May.
Horry County Planning Director David Schwerd said the main concern for the project is traffic regardless of what kind of development the new owners pursue. There could be some required traffic improvements before construction can begin.
“The use is not as much of an issue as how we are going to handle traffic,” Schwerd said.
Planning Commission Chair Steven Neeves said he thought people would be happy the track is leaving due to the noise.
Schwerd said some people are excited for the noise levels in the area to drop but others are sad to see the change.
“I’ve had phone calls and emails from people just as upset that the speedway is going away and there won’t be a place to race,” Schwerd said.
This story was originally published June 25, 2020 at 4:04 PM.
