‘I don’t think it’s right’: Neighbors upset as Grand Strand Humane Society plans for new facility
Myrtle Beach locals voice their reservations
In a quiet neighborhood of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the peace is being threatened as the Grand Strand Humane Society (GSHS) makes plans for a new facility to house animals in need.
“I don’t think it’s right that they should come in with just one wish to destroy this peace and quiet”, says local resident Syble DeBerry. At 90 years old, Deberry has made her home here for nearly half a century and the prospect of her tranquil neighborhood changing so drastically is troubling.
A Shift in Neighborhood Ambiance
While the Humane Society’s move is aimed at providing a new and improved environment for its four-legged residents, its future neighbors fear a change in the peace and quiet their neighborhood is renowned for. “I know how dogs are. When one howals the other howls, there won’t be any of this quietness or anything”, DeBerry voices her concerns.
Despite a request from Councilman Gary Loftus to place an overlay on the designated land, preventing its use for animal services, the motion saw minimal support enabling GSHS to proceed.
Reservations Over Property Values
In addition to losing their quiet atmosphere, several locals also worry about their property values.
“We’ve had an appraiser look at our property. They’re telling us, once that’s built you’ll have a decrease in the value of your property,” discloses RoseMarie Johnson, another worried resident. Several others are even considering moving.
Concern, not Contempt, for the Humane Society
Despite these concerns, it’s clear that the residents’ issues are not with the society, but the location chosen for their new facility. Committed animal lovers, they express that their concern is the facility’s proximity to their homes.
“It’s not anything against the humane society, it’s just about putting it in the appropriate place and you know by a residential home contiguous and adjacent is not the appropriate place,” Johnson explains.
Next Steps for the Humane Society
Regardless of the residents’ concerns, GSHS is eager to move forward with its plans, aiming to hire a civil engineer for the project and commence construction at the earliest. Readers are advised to stay tuned with HERE News Network for updated reports.
Copyright 2024 by HERE News Network. All rights reserved.
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.
