‘We're not idiots': Tensions mount as support for planned 600+home North Myrtle Beach development wanes
'If I were you, I'd pull this whole thing, and I would re-look at what I'm trying to do. I would try to redesign it to where the roads are more satisfying, the green space is more satisfying,' Mayor Marilyn Hatley said. 'I want to do this project, but I think there's too many concerns.'
At issue is The Preserve, originally pitched as a $250 million venture that would bring 804 homes and a 10,000-square-foot commercial building to 110 acres between Highway 22 and Carolina Bays Parkway.
The Klotz Group of Companies, based in Florida, purchased the land in 2021 and last year announced its intentions. Since then, talks with city officials have changed the project's scope — cutting down the number of homes to 609 and removing the commercial aspect.
Josh Hughes, whose Long Leaf Real Estate in Charleston is involved in The Preserve's development, likened its design last month to Market Common.
Hughes said developers have been following guidance from the city's planning commission and council as they've altered plans — liking adding two-car garages to some cottages and clarifying public and private roads for maintenance purposes.
Hughes became frustrated at one point.
'There are homebuilders that are going to spend a significant amount of money on this. We're not idiots. It has to be able to sell,' Hughes said. 'This isn't something we build and never get our money back.'
Councilmembers said major changes including green space layout — and even Hughes' behavior toward city staffers — have bothered them.
'I've had about as much as I can personally take on that, and that's not something I particularly get upset about, but you're pushing me,' councilman Fred Coyne said. 'In my opinion, I think you need to take an eraser to this whole site and start over again.'
Despite Monday's opposition, Hughes requested that a final vote on The Preserve be kept the city's March 17 agenda — at least for now.
'We'll either have the vote Monday or we'll pull it,' Hughes said.
* * *
Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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