Racepath Community Faces Trash Trouble
Living in Myrtle Beach is usually a dream come true – sun-soaked beaches, family-friendly activities, and vibrant community vibes. But just outside the hustle and bustle of the city, a small neighborhood has been struggling with something that’s hard to ignore: trash.
What’s Going On in Racepath?
The Racepath community, located right next to Myrtle Beach but technically part of unincorporated Horry County, has been dealing with persistent litter issues. Unlike their neighbors in the city, they don’t receive essential services such as trash collection. For longtime residents like Frances Washington, this has led to some frustrating times. “Trash is on the streets, it’s in people’s yards; people are burning trash,” she explained. Can you just picture it? Trash piling up everywhere you look, turning a neighborhood into what can only be described as ‘run down.’
Residents face tough choices when it comes to disposing of their garbage. With no city pick-up available, many opt to drive a whopping 10 miles to the nearest dump or sometimes resort to lighting it on fire. Talk about an inconvenient situation! It’s almost as if trash has become a part of the landscape there.
Feeling Forgotten
Despite ongoing discussions and promises from local representatives, frustration has made its way into the hearts of the residents. Washington highlighted that over the last ten years, they have raised concerns over various issues such as sewage, water quality, housing rehabilitation, and the overall beautification of their community. “Almost 10 years later, and nothing has changed,” she lamented. It seems that community excitement has turned into empathy as residents feel increasingly neglected, wishing someone would truly care for Racepath.
Local Councilman Bill Howard represents the area and mentioned that several solutions are in the works, including an upcoming meeting with residents to talk openly about their concerns. However, Washington and others are tired of hearing empty promises. They want action and real change, not just more talks that lead nowhere.
A Ray of Hope?
On a brighter note, the Horry County spokesperson stated that they have invested more than $1 million in Community Development Block Grant Funding aimed at improving the Racepath area, which includes rehabilitating houses. The tricky part? Those funds can’t be allocated for trash pick-up because they’re categorized as maintenance. It’s a bit of a catch-22 situation that leaves locals scratching their heads.
While last year saw the completion of phase one of an infrastructure project—bringing improvements to roads, drainage, and sidewalks—residents still hold their breath. The county has plans for phase two. It sounds promising and includes upgrades for streets, water, sewer services, landscaping, and streetlights, but right now, it’s all just talk.
Community Spirit
Even amidst the struggles, there’s a palpable sense of community spirit. Local resident Akeem Hemingway emphasized the importance of sprucing up the neighborhood. “I know many families would be happy,” he remarked. Imagine a sunny day compared to a cloudy one; the improvements would lift spirits and make everyone smile!
As Racepath continues to navigate these tough times, one thing is clear: the community is ready for change and eager to see some much-deserved attention. As they rally for support and solutions, let’s hope that their future shines as brightly as the Myrtle Beach sun!
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.
