The Prince Resort Gets Pool Approved...
Pool to be built closer to shore
Oceanfront setback line moved seaward for 17 story project at Cherry Grove
By SAMMY FRETWELL
sfretwell@thestate.com
Condominium projects are changing the character of Cherry Grove, long known for homey beach houses and a residential family atmosphere.
Developers of a 17-story condominium project at North Myrtle Beach received state approval this week to build closer to the seashore than S.C. law previously allowed.
An administrative law judge approved moving an oceanfront setback line seaward for the Prince Resort because taxpayers have paid to widen the beach at Cherry Grove.
Setback lines keep development back from the beach. But extra sand from a $20 million beach renourishment work buffers the property from the ocean, say state regulators, who recommended moving the line. The ruling allows developers to build an in-ground pool, a spa and a lazy river in front of the oceanfront condo tower, Prince project manager Larry Brumfield said.
Administrative law Judge Ralph K. Anderson III’s decision continues a recent trend of loosening building restrictions at Cherry Grove because of the renourishment.
Cherry Grove, a narrow sand spit at the upper tip of North Myrtle Beach, is one of the most flood-prone areas of the state’s coast. It’s among the main areas in South Carolina for repeat flood insurance losses after hurricanes and other storms.
But S.C. regulators say more than $20 million in publicly funded beach renourishment justifies allowing intense development closer to the ocean.
Five years ago, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control moved setback lines 50 to 100 feet seaward at Cherry Grove, opening the door for high-rise condos, including the Prince Resort.
In this case, the judge’s ruling Monday moves the line another 25 feet toward the beach at the Prince Resort for its pool, according to DHEC.
Jimmy Chandler, a lawyer who follows state coastal law, said it is a bad idea to build close to the beach because of storm threats to buildings and future beach erosion. He predicted the ruling would lead to similar requests.
“It’s not the best policy for the state to follow,” Chandler said. “All we’re doing is making things worse when we do things like this.”
Brumfield said the development his group plans is not significant. The Prince Resort tried to persuade the Legislature last spring to change state law to allow for the pool, but the bill didn’t pass.
“Hopefully we’ll do a good job, and we’ll be good citizens, I promise you,” Brumfield said.
Setback lines govern how close development can be to the beach. Property owners can petition the administrative law court to move setback lines seaward, although that rarely has happened statewide. The state also will reset setback lines during a normal review every eight to 10 years.
Reach Fretwell at (803) 771-8537.
Myrtle Beach Condos For Sale
Myrtle Beach Real Estate Marketing
Oceanfront setback line moved seaward for 17 story project at Cherry Grove
By SAMMY FRETWELL
sfretwell@thestate.com
Condominium projects are changing the character of Cherry Grove, long known for homey beach houses and a residential family atmosphere.
Developers of a 17-story condominium project at North Myrtle Beach received state approval this week to build closer to the seashore than S.C. law previously allowed.
An administrative law judge approved moving an oceanfront setback line seaward for the Prince Resort because taxpayers have paid to widen the beach at Cherry Grove.
Setback lines keep development back from the beach. But extra sand from a $20 million beach renourishment work buffers the property from the ocean, say state regulators, who recommended moving the line. The ruling allows developers to build an in-ground pool, a spa and a lazy river in front of the oceanfront condo tower, Prince project manager Larry Brumfield said.
Administrative law Judge Ralph K. Anderson III’s decision continues a recent trend of loosening building restrictions at Cherry Grove because of the renourishment.
Cherry Grove, a narrow sand spit at the upper tip of North Myrtle Beach, is one of the most flood-prone areas of the state’s coast. It’s among the main areas in South Carolina for repeat flood insurance losses after hurricanes and other storms.
But S.C. regulators say more than $20 million in publicly funded beach renourishment justifies allowing intense development closer to the ocean.
Five years ago, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control moved setback lines 50 to 100 feet seaward at Cherry Grove, opening the door for high-rise condos, including the Prince Resort.
In this case, the judge’s ruling Monday moves the line another 25 feet toward the beach at the Prince Resort for its pool, according to DHEC.
Jimmy Chandler, a lawyer who follows state coastal law, said it is a bad idea to build close to the beach because of storm threats to buildings and future beach erosion. He predicted the ruling would lead to similar requests.
“It’s not the best policy for the state to follow,” Chandler said. “All we’re doing is making things worse when we do things like this.”
Brumfield said the development his group plans is not significant. The Prince Resort tried to persuade the Legislature last spring to change state law to allow for the pool, but the bill didn’t pass.
“Hopefully we’ll do a good job, and we’ll be good citizens, I promise you,” Brumfield said.
Setback lines govern how close development can be to the beach. Property owners can petition the administrative law court to move setback lines seaward, although that rarely has happened statewide. The state also will reset setback lines during a normal review every eight to 10 years.
Reach Fretwell at (803) 771-8537.
Myrtle Beach Condos For Sale
Myrtle Beach Real Estate Marketing
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