Myrtle Beach Tackles Workforce Housing Shortage with $150K Grant
As the population of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina continues to expand along with the Grand Strand, the demand for essential workers is on the rise. However, data indicates that many of these vital personnel cannot afford to reside within the city due to the current housing situation.
A Challenge of Zoning
City authorities attribute this predicament partly to existing zoning regulations. As Brooke Morris, assistant to the Myrtle Beach City Manager, explained, “The city’s zoning ordinances do not define workforce housing. And the zoning code does not identify specific areas of the zoning district where workforce housing is needed and would be most compatible with the existing communities.” Consequently, the city plans to leverage a $150,000 grant from the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission to overhaul its zoning system entirely, permitting a higher density of workforce housing.
City leaders anticipate this measure will prove beneficial for the “everyday people” imperative for sustaining the burgeoning population, including nurses, teachers, first responders, and more.
The Role of Zoning Districts
Joey Smoak, CEO of the Eastern Carolina Housing Organization, confirmed, “Zoning districts absolutely play a vital part in the availability of any kind of housing, market rate or affordable, or low income.” He further revealed that his team is collaborating on the workforce housing issue, even as development in Myrtle Beach has surged. However, the availability of affordable housing options for essential workers remains amiss.
By revising zoning codes, Smoak believes there is potential to unlock more housing opportunities in areas previously deficient. “I’m thrilled that they’re looking at addressing zoning and maybe opening up some things or removing some things that hinder certain types of housing,” said Smoak.
Timeline
Brooke Morris has projected that the process of overhauling the zoning system will span around two years. This story is ongoing, and we at HERE News Line will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
Source: HERE News Network
Author: HERE News
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.
