Myrtle Beach leaders gave final approval for up to $400,000 for the under-construction housing project designed for J-1 cultural exchange participants.
On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the city council passed on second reading an incentive voucher of 1% of the total construction cost of the project. Estimated to cost $40 million, the incentive would provide the developers $400,000 after the project is completed. Council passed the ordinance on second reading unanimously without discussion. The four-building, dormitory-style development has already broken ground, and the first phase is expected to open this summer.
Pickleball facility may be coming: Myrtle Beach leaders also approved a resolution Tuesday, Jan. 14, which could lead to the development of more pickleball courts in the city. The resolution authorizes the city to enter into a letter of intent that would allow developers to “evaluate the suitability” of property at the Whispering Pines Golf Course to be developed into an indoor/outdoor pickleball facility. The resolution passed unanimously, but without the vote of Mayor Brenda Bethune, who recused herself because she said her husband is the broker on record for the property.
Assistant city manager Brian Tucker said developers hope to sign a 20-year lease with the option to extend for five years three times if both parties agree. He said the longer lease term allows developers to recoup their investment.
The land is “tightly controlled by the federal government,” Tucker said, which councilman Gregg Smith clarified about later, saying the land was formerly part of the Myrtle Beach Air Force base.
Many pickleball enthusiasts voiced their approval for the project, saying demand is high and inventory is low on pickleball courts in the area. Nearby at Midway Park, four pickleball courts are commonly filled with paddlers.
Source: https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/myrtle-beach-council-notes-j-1-housing-incentives-approved-more-pickleball-courts-on-horizon/article_4d25eeec-d2b1-11ef-b43a-f77c235f4135.html