Why does Myrtle Beach keep buying land? Latest deal expected to happen soon.

Three more Myrtle Beach properties likely will be purchased by city leaders as part of an aggressive redevelopment plan covering its downtown and arts and innovation districts.

On Tuesday, the City Council is expected to approve nearly $1.5 million worth of land buys on parcels along 8th Avenue North and North Kings Highway that will aid in storm water retention and allow for future private sector investment.

The big ticket item is a one-time doughnut shop at 712 N. Kings Highway located in the oceanfront district. Officials will pay $1.2 million for the 1/2 acre lot using tax increment financing, which allows for the funding of projects by using property tax growth within a designated area.

The area bounded by 14th Avenue S. to 22nd Avenue N. was once the city’s economic backbone and a leading tourism area for the region.

But “this downtown area experienced a loss of business relative to other parts of the community, as new residential and commercial areas developed elsewhere,” language in a resolution authorizing the purchase says.

“This lack of new business in the downtown area has created a stagnant appearance, with resulting concerns about prospects for redevelopment and the overall image that such a primary gateway into Myrtle Beach should project.”

City leaders have not been shy about reclaiming properties have turned to blight or become hotbeds for crime.

Earlier this month, the landmark Fountainbleau Inn was pulled to the ground — sharing the same fate as the Sea Nymph, another former city hotel that was flattened in April.

Last year, the city agreed to spend $15 million for a 10-parcel land buy targeting locations that have fallen into disrepair near its Arts and Innovation district: Two commercial properties, seven hotels and a vacant lot.

Meanwhile, a pair of parcels along 8th Ave. N are being snapped up for $240,000 to create storm water retention areas in the city’s Arts and Innovation District, using revenues from hospitality fees to pay for them.