Developers are working to create a new shopping area for the Grand Strand. Allison Hardin, a planner for the City of Myrtle Beach, said if approved and built, it would be located on the corner of 17 bypass and Farrow Parkway.
But Hardin said she doesn’t just want this to be another retail area. She said she wants residents to be able to go to this space to run everyday errands. Hardin said the anchor store will likely be a grocery store.
But as plans move forward, just down Farrow Parkway, another shopping center struggles with many empty stores.
“This is kind of a depressed plaza. I think it’s because the rent is high in this area to get a spot and that’s what holds a lot of businesses off,” said Wesley Cook, the owner of a liquor store inside the plaza.
Cook opened his liquor store about 6 months ago. He said while his business has been steady, others around him can’t make enough money to afford the rent.
“If the rent is real high and you’re selling sandwiches or whatever you’d have to sell a lot of sandwiches to stay open,” said Cook.
Jane Whaley, the owner of Low Country Market Interiors, another store at the plaza, thinks more development will help breath life into her location.
“I think a new shopping complex located directly across of bypass 17 would be beneficial to bring more merchants and more traffic to this area so I would think that would be favorable for us,” said Whaley.
Wednesday developers met with the City of Myrtle Beach planning committee. Hardin said on May 6th, community members will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the plan at City Hall. It will then be up to the Myrtle Beach City Council to decide whether or not to move forward with the design.
Hardin said she hopes to see construction on the site within the next year.
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