Issues

The realignment plan for transforming the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base into Market Common included a natatorium* near the Crabtree Gym as part of the sports tourism complex. Tax increment financing (TIF) was planned to build the natatorium.

Most projects and infrastructure planned for TIF financing have been completed. Meanwhile, the promised natatorium seemingly has been dropped. Why? Are funds being diverted for other uses? Will the recently announced YMCA to be built in the Market Common include an indoor swimming pool?

Join the Market Common Civic Organization (MCCO) as we endeavor to get the natatorium built before our tax revenue is used to rebuild other areas of the city.

(*A natatorium is an indoor swimming pool that can be used by people of all ages and physical abilities for many different activities.)

Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest growing cities in the US. Is the existing road grid, health care network, and public safety infrastructure sufficient to handle a rapidly growing population? Is the seemingly out-of-control development forever changing what made Myrtle Beach special? Should there be a moratorium on development until infrastructure is expanded to meet demand?

Join the MCCO to help advocate for smart development that enhances the quality of life for all of us who live, work, and visit The Market Common.

The existing roads in the Market Common were designed and built years ago before our community grew to what it is today. Unforeseen traffic patterns have created speeding and congestion issues that need to be addressed. The city is perceived to have largely abandoned traffic enforcement to focus on other priorities.

With more than 10,000 people now living in the Market Common, is there a sufficient police and fire presence to handle the population? Is it now time to forcefully push for the planned Howard Avenue extension that would help alleviate traffic on Farrow Parkway and provide another route for traffic into and out of the downtown district?

Join the MCCO as we make these issues a priority for our elected officials.

Perpetually paying for upgraded streetlights seems unfair. Many of the Market Common HOAs and POAs have held discussions with the city to gain a better understanding of contractual obligations. Some neighborhoods feel that the cost of purchasing and installing the upgraded streetlights has already been amortized and may have been inflated as well.

Join the MCCO as we seek a permanent solution to the streetlight issue.

There is a growing sense that residents of Market Common are ignored by the city until election time. With more than 25% of the city’s population, is it time to consider changing the city governance to have wards and elected councilpersons representing each ward?

Join the MCCO as we push for more equitable representation.

Many of the businesses who are part of The Market Common (the downtown shopping, dining and entertainment area) feel that HomeFed (the California-based company that owns The Market Common) needs to do a better job communicating with their business tenants and promoting local businesses.

What’s more, the city should be more aggressively marketing The Market Common to visitors. Parking is also a problem with residents using limited on-street parking meant for businesses while the free parking garages are underutilized due to lack of awareness.

Join the MCCO as we help our local businesses prosper.