News Summary
Georgetown County proposes a new zoning category to safeguard the Litchfield Country Club and Founders Club golf courses from high-density redevelopment. Locals express hope and caution as discussions progress towards a decision that may help preserve these community staples for recreational use. With concerns about potential commercial development, the county aims to refine its proposal to address community fears and protect these cherished landscapes.
Georgetown County Considers New Zoning to Protect Beloved Golf Courses
In the charming community of Georgetown County, there’s some buzz in the air as local officials consider a brand-new zoning category to protect the area’s treasured golf courses. The proposed neighborhood amenity district aims to ensure that the iconic Litchfield Country Club and Founders Club remain intact and available for recreation, rather than becoming targets for high-density redevelopment. This initiative has locals feeling hopeful yet cautious at the same time.
The Plan Explained
As part of this initiative, the zoning district is designed to maintain the current charm of Litchfield Country Club and Founders Club, which have long served as community staples since their opening back in the 1960s. Residents have voiced concerns that these courses, which offer beautiful landscapes and recreational facilities, might one day be replaced by sprawling housing developments. The county has heard these worries and aims to allay fears with this new proposal.
The proposed zoning specifically mentions that golf courses, parks, gardens, and open spaces can flourish under this district, reinforcing that the beloved courses won’t disappear as long as the community has a say. It’s important to note that while the current owners, Founders Group International, have expressed no current plans to close the courses, the prospect of the future has residents on high alert.
Next Steps in the Process
The county planning commission is gearing up to discuss this exciting proposal in their upcoming April 2025 meeting. Should everything go smoothly, it will be presented to the county council for approval, needing three readings to pass. If all goes according to plan, the new neighborhood amenity district could be effective by June 2025. Fingers crossed!
Addressing Local Concerns
Despite the good intentions behind the zoning district, not all locals share the same optimism. Some residents worry that while the new zoning designation does impose limits on building density—allowing only one home per five acres as opposed to the current allowance of four homes per acre—it’s not a complete guarantee against redevelopment. The current zoning, noted as R-10, permits up to four single-family homes per acre, leading many to want more robust protections.
Local advocacy groups, including the proactive Keep It Green, have raised their voices calling for measures that wholly prevent residential or commercial development on the revered golf courses. Their mission? To maintain the community’s quality of life and keep the area from resembling the densely populated streets of Myrtle Beach.
Amending the Proposal
In light of the concerns from residents, the county is working diligently to refine the zoning proposal. They aim to clarify language that may imply future commercial development could be permitted. The county is not blind to residents’ fears; they are putting safeguards in place to protect the cherished golf courses from potential redevelopment.
To create a balance, the neighborhood amenity district encourages any future changes in the community to transition towards areas that prioritize open spaces and lower-density housing. This aim should help soothe the worries of those who cherish the natural landscapes in Georgetown County.
The Path Forward
As discussions about growth continue, it’s essential to note that there have been no current proposals regarding the redevelopment of the golf courses, with the owners reiterating their commitment to maintaining them. Yet residents can’t shake the feelings that arose when another course, Indian Wells Golf Club, was closed for redevelopment in 2019. The ongoing discussions may seem daunting, but it shows that the community is engaged and focused on keeping their home a beautiful place to live.
In Georgetown County, the hope is that these actions serve to strengthen the bonds within the community while preserving the stunning landscapes that make it unique, allowing golfers of all ages to enjoy the greens for years to come. Here’s to keeping those swinging clubs and laughter on the fairways well into the future!
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Golf
- World Atlas
- Google Search: Golf Courses in Georgetown County
- On The Green Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Course Development
- MSN Sports
- Google News: Golf Course Zoning Georgetown County
- Star News Online
- Google Scholar: Golf Course Development Georgetown County
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
