Planning commission recommends industrial-corridors map after close vote and public concerns about rural character and tribal lands

The Horry County Planning Commission voted to recommend a draft industrial-corridors addition to the county's future-land-use map to the INR committee, following a staff presentation on public engagement and subsequent public comment.

Planning staff said the project collected 453 survey responses, held three open houses and revised draft corridors after public input. Staff described what would count as industrial (light industrial, tow yards, wholesale distribution, warehouses and certain heavy manufacturing but not data centers) and said Highway 90 business and Highway 917 had been removed from the draft after comments. Desiree (planning staff) said public comments opposed corridors in some areas but supported them in places like Aynor and Loris.

Public commenters reiterated concerns about impacts to rural character, wetlands, noise, traffic and pollution. Sarah Rich (1504 McKeithen Street) thanked staff for reductions to the overlay but urged the commission to consider continued impacts to conservation and tribal sacred grounds and invited commissioners to a ceremony on Waccamaw Tribal grounds. Commissioners questioned staff about the mix of survey and email responses and how economic-development funding shapes corridor siting. After discussion the commission moved and approved a recommendation to the INR committee; the chair confirmed the motion carried.