Briarcliffe Acres

Established | Incorporated Feb. 25, 1976

Origin of name | Kenneth Ellsworth, who developed the property known today as Briarcliffe Acres along with property on the west side of U.S. 17, said that briars and sandburs in the sand dunes along the ocean and the clifflike banks overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway on the western boundary of the property reminded him of a community in New York called Briarcliffe, according to “A Prolongation of a Vision – A History of Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina” written by Dorothy Fillius Green. Ellsworth decided to give his development that name and added an “e” “to make it fancy,” he said.

Why it’s grand | The town has forested lots with various varieties of trees, including live oaks. The town was established as a bird sanctuary and abounds with various species of wildlife. It has three freshwater lakes and unobstructed ocean views.

Major events | Fourth of July parade sponsored by the Briarcliffe Acres Association.

Major employers | There is no commercial property in town.

What’s new | The town now has four-year staggered terms for office holders.

Property tax rate | 50.8 mills

Numbers to know

Town Office | P.O. Box 1250, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29598. Call 843-272-8863 or email tofba@aol.com.

Mayor | Gary Pell, 310 Ocean View Drive, Myrtle Beach, 843-467-3018. Term ends December 2015.

Councilmember | Richard Dwyer, 133 North Gate Road, Myrtle Beach. 703-898-0485. Term ends December 2013.

Councilmember | Nancy Edelman, 10 South Gate Road, Myrtle Beach. 843-272-2905. Term ends December 2013.

Councilmember | Huston Huffman, 107 Holly Lane, Myrtle Beach, 843-331-0325. Term ends December 2015.

Mayor pro tem | Abigail Steward, 25 South Gate Road, Myrtle Beach, 843-361-0294. Term ends December 2015.

This story was originally published September 23, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Briarcliffe Acres."