Though they see room for improvement, locals, business owners and tourist have seen a definite sign of progress over the last year and a half. Town Councilman Dan Wilcox announced, as he ran for office, that revamping the Boardwalk was a goal and now all the buildings on the Boardwalk, except one, are occupied.
The makeover group’s short-term projects included cleaning gum off the Boardwalk, installing new planters, landscaping and addressing electrical needs and renovations. “The most important part of it was taking something they already owned … and making it clean and friendly and inviting,” Wilcox said. Some of the longer-term projects include establishing a splash park for kids and expanding the community center area.
Airbrush Shop owner Matt Clark says it seems like “a beach that’s under renovation.” This is Clark’s first year on Carolina Beach though he’s been in the business since 1998, with shops at Myrtle Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. “I see a lot of potential here,” Clark said. “It has the potential to be another Barefoot Landing as long as they put in the proper restaurants and energy into it.”
Higgins agreed that was a positive change on the Boardwalk this year. He said the night crowd has gotten younger, but the police – without being an overwhelming presence – seem to be better enforcing the laws so there haven’t been very many problems.
Plans are in the works in Myrtle Beach to spend $12 million in bonds to build a boardwalk from First Avenue North to 14th Avenue North. Contractors’ bids will be opened July 28 and are expected to include some changes to the original design that will save money, such as landscaping, awnings and the type of wood. Construction will start after Labor Day and finish in the spring. The city hopes the boardwalk will be substantially completed – minus last-minute details – by Easter 2010, in plenty of time for the summer season.
Anything that you would suggest as being a potential attraction on the Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach?
