5 recent Myrtle Beach government takeaways: From limiting arcades to earlier terms

Mayor Mark Kruea and Myrtle Beach City Council’s Tuesday’s session took governmental measures impacting everything from zoning to state representation.

Here are five key takeaways from recent city actions to watch for in Myrtle Beach.

City leaders will start terms earlier

A new ordinance shortens the gap between when city officials are elected and when they start their terms.

After November elections, newly elected Myrtle Beach officials will take office on the second Tuesday in December, rather than waiting until January. For special elections, officials will start their terms, “as soon after the time for protest has passed as is convenient.”

Myrtle Beach annexes doughnut holes

With dozens of pockets of unincorporated Horry County land – often called doughnut holes – the city of Myrtle Beach moved to fill two by annexing 2 acres of land.

One parcel off of Professional Drive annexed by the city will host a new office building for construction company Traditional Homebuilders and accounting firm Clemmons King and Brown.

Another by the corner of Highway 17 Bypass and 21st Avenue North was annexed and rezoned as Entertainment (E) land in Myrtle Beach. The Sun News was unable to reach applicant Broadway at the Beach Palace Tract LLC for comment on plans for the parcel, but Entertainment zoning allows for dozens of residential, commercial and public service uses.

“It’s good to close those doughnut holes when we can, particularly for a commercial property,” Kruea said.

Zoning won’t change to welcome arcades

Council unanimously shot down an ordinance to loosen the zoning code for arcades. The change would have allowed gaming arcades in mixed-use zoning districts, particularly Ocean Boulevard.

Prior to Council’s meeting, the city planning commission recommended members deny the zoning change.

Although the ordinance didn’t pass, gaming arcades are defined as any business with more than five coin-operated amusements, so establishments with a few games are still permitted in mixed-use areas.

A new lobbying group will represent Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach City Council approved a contract with a new lobbying group to promote the city’s interests in Columbia.

Starting in mid-2019, Myrtle Beach paid Denny Public Affairs $5,500 a month to represent the city. Under the new contract, the city will pay South Carolina lobbying firm The Tallon Group $8,000 a month to advocate for its interests in the South Carolina General Assembly.

Unless a 30-day termination clause is invoked, The Tallon Group is set to represent Myrtle Beach through February 2028.

“We can’t be in Columbia all the time, so having a firm that’s familiar with the inner workings of the State House and Senate who can keep an eye on things, who can have the conversations that we can’t do on a daily basis, in our stead is a good thing,” Kruea said.

Pedal Pub eyes Myrtle Beach

A new party bike tour could be coming to Myrtle Beach.

After debuting in Conway last year, Pedal Pub went before Myrtle Beach City Council seeking a five-year franchise agreement with the city. SkyWheel Myrtle Beach operator Global Leisure Management (GLM) presented plans to bring year-round tours on five bikes that each carry 15 passengers to Myrtle Beach.

The tours would transport people between Myrtle Beach bars, restaurants and landmarks, but the company stressed that alcohol would not be permitted on-board the bikes.

“Our tours are designed to be an experience everyone can enjoy,” said Angie Goeppinger, regional operations and business development manager for GLM. “Pedal Pub tours are not just for adults, our tours are designed for the entire family. Anyone that’s 48 inches or taller can join the fun.”

City leaders raised concerns with potential impacts to traffic, noise and safety at a workshop. Before Council can vote on a proposal, Myrtle Beach city staff will draft a franchise agreement for members to review.