Atlantic Beach, SC -
ATLANTIC BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Atlantic Beach Town Council members are considering connecting Ocean Boulevard in the town to the rest of the surrounding road.
That is a possibility that has been discussed in the past, but council members have decided to re-evaluate the current situation.
"How's it going to benefit Atlantic Beach, or how's it not going to benefit Atlantic Beach if you open it or you keep it closed?" asked Town Manager William Booker.
He said that is the big question in the consideration.
To help answer that question, town council asked the town planning commission to look into the issue. The commission asked the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments to send out a survey.
The commission also held a public forum.
"Folks who took the opportunity to speak at that public hearing were in opposition to opening the boulevard," Booker said.
Booker explained many people have concerns about extra traffic and a disruption of peace and quiet in the town. They believe developers who want a more private setting, like the current Kingston Plantation in another area of the Grand Strand would still consider Atlantic Beach
Homeowner John Sketers disagrees. He said he does not believe any developer will be interested in Atlantic Beach unless a lot more traffic can flow freely between North Myrtle Beach and Atlantic Beach along Ocean Boulevard.
"We would do better to attract developers here, and we are in very bad need of developers here," Sketers said.
He lives just a few blocks from Ocean Boulevard, and he supports connecting Atlantic Beach to the rest of the boulevard if development has conditions.
"I wish people would bear in mind that we don't have to give up anything from the city of Atlantic Beach," Sketers said. "We can have controlled growth. That's what I would rather see happen."
Booker said the survey ended Monday. The results will be presented by the government council during the planning commission meeting on November 18. The commission is expected to make a recommendation to town council in time for council to make a decision by early 2011.
"At the end of the day most of the discussion is sort of based around what people believe is best for Atlantic Beach," Booker said.
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