By Cheryl Kelley, North Myrtle Beach Online.com

North Myrtle Beach, SC July 23, 2008--  A proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance creating an overlay zone for all properties along the Highway 17 corridor brought local business community leaders to the Planning Commission public hearing.  A mass e-mail from the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce to all members brought this issue to business owners’ attention.

Jim Wood, North Myrtle Beach Planning and Development Director, explained the major changes the overlay zone would create.  

The visual and functional design plan would create landscaping (6 ft tree lawn) and 8 ft walkways and bring buildings forward with a build-to line of 14ft.  

Wood said, “Increasing the height of buildings to 35 ft. with a fourteen foot build to line helps frame the street space. This is perhaps the most important piece, as it has been proven that framing the street space fosters pedestrian activity and helps with traffic calming.”

Continuing, Wood said, “The ground floor of a building shall consist of 75% window and door openings.  Upper floors shall consist of at least 30% window openings per floor.”

Wood explained that this requirement would encourage window shopping, which, along with the streetscape, would provide an attractive environment for pedestrians.

The initial comment focused upon by Commission members was the question of hardship if an existing building was destroyed by hurricanes in excess of 51%.  The ordinance would require the building to be built back to the overlay standards.

Commissioner Courtney pointed out that insurance would only cover rebuilding what was there before. The cost to move the building forward, raise it to a minimum of 34 feet and moving the parking to the rear would be at the property owner’s expense, Courtney stressed.

Wood concurred and said they would look into exceptions for acts of God. 

By Nicole Aiello, Public Information Officer, City of North Myrtle Beach

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. July 24, 2008– The North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety is requesting help from the public in identifying two unknown men who were involved in assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature on Saturday, July 12, at 4:12 a.m. at the Circle K convenience store (3301 Hwy. 17 S.). The assault sent one of the two victims to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit with extensive injuries.

According to police, approximately four unknown white males exited a black SUV in the parking lot of Circle K. The men approached the two victims and proceeded to beat and kick them, causing severe injuries. Witnesses stated that the unknown suspects continued to beat and kick the victims even after one victim lost consciousness. Store video surveillance captured two of the suspects entering the store and then leaving the store while stealing a case of beer.

The victim in the hospital is in very bad shape, according to his father, Mr. Dick Schwarz. Schwarz said his son has been sedated and on oxygen since he arrived at the hospital and hasn’t spoken yet. Schwarz said, "Some of my son’s injuries: He has a plastic surgeon to redo his jaw, has facial fractures and more. He also now has pneumonia and infections in his sinuses, which caused doctors to perform a tracheotomy. According to Mr. Schwarz, his son is 40 years old."

If you have any information on the identity of these two subjects, please contact the North Myrtle Beach Police Department at (843) 280-5511. 

By Margaret Owens, Director, North Strand Helping Hand

North Myrtle Beach, SC July 18, 2008– The North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and Fitness Center (AFC) gained 300 pounds of food during its June food drive benefiting North Strand Helping Hand (NSHH).  NSHH is an emergency aid organization which provides food, clothing, and other assistance to needy individuals and families in the North Strand area.  

“Donations are down this time of year, so we greatly appreciate the support that the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and Fitness Center’s members have shown us,” said Denny Headington, president of NSHH.

Throughout the month of June, AFC members brought in non-perishable food items that were donated to NSHH.  NSHH has seen an increase in need over the past few months, according to Headington.

“With the combination of school being out and gas prices being so high, people are really having a hard time making ends meet,” said Headington. 

NSHH is a United Way agency and is funded by 11 North Strand area churches.  For more information about NSHH, please call 843-399-0862.

By Jim Hulen, North Myrtle Beach Online.com

North Myrtle Beach, SC July 17, 2008 – Pat O’Donnell, Project Manager, U.S Corps of Engineers, said, “It is in everyone’s best interest for these surveys to take place – the Corps as well as individual property owners.  These surveys give property owners a measure of protection.”

During beach renourishment, which will take place from August, 2008 through January, 2009, employees of Seismic Surveys, Inc. will be seeking permission for entry to properties immediately along the ocean front.

They will survey to document pre-existing cracks that could become the subject of concern or a claim after beach renourishment begins.  The survey serves as a baseline for monitoring any potential damage on structures resulting from bulldozers and front end loader vibration and to identify potential structural conditions that might make the structure more sensitive to vibration effects.  

The Seismic Survey team will document pre-renourishment surveys involving both exterior and interior photographic and written documentation of the various building materials and existing cracks.  Room sketches are made that document the locations and dimensions of pre-existing cracks within a home or business, similar to a walk-through inspection done for home purchases.  Existing items such as foundation walls, drywall partitions, flooring, sidewalks, etc. are visually surveyed and noted.  General details about the structure, such as age, purchase date, history of repairs, etc. are obtained from the building owner during the survey.  The general building materials used in the construction of the structure, water supply type, etc. are also documented.  

If property owners believe they have had a structural problem due to beach renourishment these surveys could be used by them to support their claim.

The company will also install seismic recorders which will continuously monitor the intensity of vibrations immediately near where beach renourishment is going on.  They will be set to alarm at a level well before any structure could be damaged.  The alarm consists of a light and sound sufficient to warn equipment operators to stop before damage could occur. 

North Myrtle Beach, SC July 17, 2008 --"The two prominent bike rallies under debate have been evolving on the Grand Strand over several decades," said Marc Jordon, President/CEO North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

"The issues being identified are emotionally charged and much more
complex than a simple yes or no. A survey is just one of many tools and opportunities to
allow input from our members to assist our leadership in better representing their
collective interest.

"At this stage of the debate, we believe the most important thing for us to do, is to make
sure our members have an opportunity to be heard.

"As a business organization, we will ensure that we are a part of the discussion process
with elected officials and do all we can to provide constructive and positive input.
Our Board of Directors, along with the Public Policy Council of our chamber, will
continue to follow this issue and determine our next step, remembering that our highest
priority is in promoting our area as a premier vacation destination."

The full survey results can be found here.