"What's next?" is the question that DRC and City Council will answer, now that downtown redevelopment is underway

Here's a newsy letter from DRC Executive Director Lauren Clever to City Council about the DRC Board's recent thoughts on the future:

Dear City Council,

As you may be aware, the Downtown Redevelopment Corporation Board of Directors has lately been discussing its future, specifically how it can best be of service to Myrtle Beach’s exciting plans for revitalizing the core business area. At its June meeting, the Board talked about several options and seemed to favor a scenario where a new group could arise organically from the business and commercial community that would continue the enhanced focus on the downtown area.

The Board as a whole is excited by this new implementation strategy for the downtown and is pleased to have laid the foundation for this progress over the past 20 years. The Downtown Redevelopment Corporation has been instrumental in the implementation of the Pavilion Area Master Plan which led to the transformation on Ocean Boulevard, the installation of underground utilities, improved beautification of the streetscapes throughout the hotel and entertainment district, the creation and improvements at Plyler Park, and the construction of a 1.5 mile Boardwalk. It also has been instrumental in creating events that draw crowds, locals and visitors in the shoulder season to continue the growth and development of the business community into a year-round destination.

I anticipate that the DRC Board will consider a motion to transform itself at some date in the near future, so that the momentum that the City has is continued and the engagement of the private sector occurs so to align to the vision of the Downtown Master Plan. This assumption is based on today’s intensified focus for an Arts and Innovation District as part of the larger downtown master plan, the commitment that you are all working towards in taking our downtown to the next level with real public private investment, and the level of commitment that I, Staff and the DRC Board have for the future of the downtown.

Based on this new direction and strategy, I have had discussions with the City Manager about incorporating the current DRC’s staff into the City’s staff to ensure there is no gap in effort in the implementation of the downtown master plan that you have already initiated. Staff will carry on the leadership of the current City Implementation Team and will continue efforts to enhance the business community’s growth, development and success that we are already committed to accomplishing.

While I cannot predict what the DRC Board will do at the next Board meeting, its discussion in June certainly contemplated the idea that our downtown would benefit from a transition period in which an organic group of private-sector partners could emerge that would best serve the city’s plans for the areas identified in Myrtle Beach’s Downtown Master Plan. I extend to you all an invite to attend the next DRC Board meeting to participate and listen to the discussion. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the leadership of Chairman Martino and the Board Members and their foresight to move towards the future.

Sincerely,
Lauren Clever

Myrtle Beach Downtown Redevelopment Corporation
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