Commission approves 35-acre Conway rezoning for housing and boat sales despite Highway 90 safety worries

The Horry County Planning Commission approved a request to rezone 35.64 acres near Old Reese Ferry Road and Old Highway 90 in Conway to allow 34 single-family lots and an area for boat sales and repair.

Applicant Shep Guyton said several of the mapped lots are RV spaces associated with an adjacent destination park and argued the SF-14.5 zoning is compatible with the county's Highway 90 resolution. "This is immediately adjacent to the destination park that's on Highway 90," Guyton said, and described the commercial use as complementary to the park.

Residents expressed continued safety concerns at the intersection and questioned when Highway 90 would be widened. Amelia Wood and Lisa Denoncourt said the intersection alignment and frequent accidents make nearby commercial or boat/RV uses worrisome; Denoncourt asked the commission to consider the timeline for road widening. Staff noted wetland delineations on-site (about 10.27 acres) and recommended approval.

After discussion the commission approved the rezoning by voice vote. Staff and the applicant said Highway 90 improvements are in design and that the project would likely not be constructed for approximately two years, which the applicant cited as a buffer while road improvements proceed.