MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- Myrtle Beach City Council passed an ordinance today that prevents any new bars or clubs from opening in the Super Block area.
The Super Block includes Nance Plaza and the area bounded by 9th Avenue, Broadway, Highway 501 and Main Street.
The ordinance gives City Planning permission to study zoning uses for the block and in the meantime Myrtle Beach cannot issue any business licenses to a an establishment that predominantly sells alcohol or has an occupancy greater than 150 people.
City Manager John Pedersen says the study could take up to year.
“There’s a lot of redevelopment interest in the Super Block, but their needs to be a plan first to direct that redevelopment,” he said.
According to Pedersen, there have been several incidents of crime in the Super Block.
This past weekend, three Farlos Burrito Bar employees were arrested during a traffic stop for possession of drugs and guns. The bar was closed on Tuesday. A letter from the City of Myrtle Beach hung in the window listing the business as a public nuisance.
“I think that’s a good indication of some of the activity that’s been associated with the businesses in that area,” stated Pedersen.
Property Owner Patrick Brody defended the Super Block during council’s workshop
“The downtown Super Block area being black listed as the number one crime destination in all of Myrtle Beach is not factual,” he said.
Brody passed out statistics comparing crime in the Super Block to Broadway at the Beach. He said crime is everywhere in the city and crime existed in the Super Bock even before the current tenants moved in.
“How can you possibly come to the conclusion that the area is at a higher risk of crime than any other place in Myrtle Beach,” asked Brody.
“Council is sensitive to crime wherever it exists, but there have been numerous complaints about this specific area,” explained Pedersen
The ordinance does not effect current businesses in the Super Block; however, Spokesperson Mark Kruea says planning officials could decide to make permanent changes to zoning in the future.
“Night clubs may not be the best use for that if they’re going to create greater problems for the community and downtown area,” said Kruea.
