MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- City leaders are looking to jump start re-development in an area known as the “Super Block,” which includes Nance Plaza, bounded by 8th Avenue North, Broadway Street, Highway 501 and Main Street.
Palmetto Studios and Nerd Bar Owner Robin Roberts moved into the Super Block 17 years ago. His envisioned the area with a coffee shop, an art gallery, restaurants and clothing stores. Instead, his business is located just feet away from three night clubs.
“I’m not open at 2 o’ clock in the morning to sell comic books,” said Roberts. “It would probably be nicer if there were more daytime or retail places in the area. It would certainly bring more customers to us.”
Myrtle Beach Spokesperson Mark Kruea told News 13 the city has concerns over crime in the area.
“We’ve had some issues in that super block area with criminal actions by some of the patron who’ve been frequenting some of these bars and night clubs in that area,” explained Kruea.
A new ordinance would give City Planning a chance to study zoning uses for the area. In the meantime, the city would not be allowed to issue any new business licenses for bars or clubs that predominantly sell alcohol or have an occupancy rate of more than 150 people.
The ordinance reads, “The number of drinking establishments in this area have a disproportionate negative impact on police services and business diversity.”
According to Kruea, the ordinance does not make any permanent zoning changes. It simply gives City Planning permission to study the Super Block.
“The study that’s involved with it may take 6 months, a year, 18 months, so we’ve got some time while we look at it,” he said.
Kruea says the ordinance shouldn’t affect any bars or clubs that are currently operating in the Super Block; however, City Planning 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.”
City Council will vote on the ordinance Tuesday. It only needs to pass first reading to go into effect.
