Exciting Changes Ahead for Conway: City Plans Major Facelift!
Conway, SC, is buzzing with the prospect of a massive upgrade! City officials are cooking up some exciting plans that could transform the heart of the community. During a city council meeting on Monday night, a big step was taken towards a new vision for downtown and the riverfront. But, before things can move forward, some serious funding is needed.
What’s Cooking? A Tax Increment Financing District!
City administrator Adam Emrick broke down what they’re calling a “tax increment financing district.” Sounds fancy, right? Well, Emrick assures us that it’s simply a smart way to fund future projects without raising taxes or creating new fees. Instead, they plan to use the natural increase in property values to support the revitalization of the area.
So, how does this work? Essentially, as property taxes go up along with property values, the additional funds — that’s the “increment” part — will go straight into a carefully crafted plan to improve downtown and the riverfront. Think new recreational facilities, improved river access, fun trails, greenways, and better connectors to make it easier for everyone to enjoy our beautiful city.
A First Step, But Not Everyone Is Onboard
Residents are also sharing their worries. One concerned citizen voiced apprehensions about the potential displacement of families, especially those living at the Lee Haven Apartments. “This redevelopment is a fantastic opportunity for Conway,” she noted. “However, I can’t help but be concerned about the fate of 32 families. We don’t want to see anybody left without a home.”
City Officials Assure Residents
City officials responded to these concerns by reassuring the public that any redevelopment will unfold over several years and will only proceed with a comprehensive plan in place for affected families. They believe that funds from the proposed TIF could even be channeled toward affordable housing options.
However, Dr. Kenneth Floyd, former president of Conway’s NAACP branch, is still holding his breath. He raised a critical question during the meeting: “If new affordable housing is built, are these families going to have a chance to return at the same price? Or will they face skyrocketing rent?” His words echo the sentiment across many concerned citizens who want to ensure that their best interests are prioritized.
The Need for Better Communication
What’s Next for Conway?
Will this new vision for downtown and the riverfront strike the right chord with the community? Only time will tell! Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey ahead for Conway!
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.
