As a resident of Horry County, South Carolina, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact of rapid development on our community. Over the past few years, we've seen a surge in construction on small lots, leading to significant overcrowding and strain on our local infrastructure. Our roads are congested, schools are overwhelmed, and essential services such as utilities, healthcare, and emergency services are all struggling to keep up with the escalating population.  Inclusive of much needed flood mitigation and an appropriate stormwater infrastructure as well as protecting watershed, wetlands and swamps.

Our county's rapid rezoning has allowed developers to build without due consideration for current infrastructure capacities. The results are visible: daily traffic congestions, long waits at local clinics, and schools running out of classroom space. The quality of life that drew so many of us to this beautiful area is at risk, and it’s time we take a stand.

By halting the rezoning process for just six months,  we can take the necessary time to re-evaluate and enhance our infrastructure. During this period, we must conduct thorough assessments of our roads, schools, utilities, and healthcare facilities to ensure they can handle the growth we are experiencing. Specifically, investment must be made in expanding road networks, increasing educational facilities, and improving healthcare accessibility.

Additionally, we must collaborate with urban planners and community stakeholders to develop sustainable growth strategies that align with the county’s resources. Implementing impact studies for future developments and establishing clear guidelines for infrastructure improvements are essential steps to ensure that Horry County can grow without sacrificing the quality of life for its residents.

Horry County’s own Flood Resilience Plan (developed as a FEMA-supported annex to the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan) identifies long-term strategies to reduce flood risks and vulnerabilities along the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway. That plan, along with subsequent updates to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, the Stormwater Management Ordinance and Design Manual, and ongoing watershed studies (such as those for Cartwheel and Crabtree), emphasizes:

*Preserving and enhancing natural flood storage capacity through protection of wetlands, swamps, floodplains, and contiguous open space;

*Establishing and enforcing riparian and wetland buffers; and

*Improving hydraulic conveyance and Stormwater infrastructure so that floodwaters can move more efficiently rather than ponding in neighborhoods and on roads.

Join me in urging our county leaders to put a freeze on rezoning for six (6) months and prioritize improving our infrastructure. Sign this petition to help ensure a livable Horry County for us and future generations.