Myrtle Beach replaces tennis club with new homes

The Debate Over the Grande Dunes Tennis Club

The city of Myrtle Beach is facing a growing controversy over a new subdivision that developers plan to build on the site of the Grande Dunes Tennis Club. Despite strong opposition from local residents, the city has stated it cannot stop the project.

Meredith Denari, Director of Communications and Creative Services for Myrtle Beach, explained that the decision is not within the city council’s authority. “It’s outside of City Council authority,” she said. “This is within the rights of the private property owner. City council cannot step in and say, ‘Oh no, you can’t do this.’ It’s within their rights. It’s within what’s permitted under its current zoning. It’s permitted within the PUD. It is their legal right to do this, and they have received approval to do so.”

The property in question is zoned for both a tennis facility and single-family residential housing. This means that the city council does not have the power to approve or deny a rezoning. According to the city, the proposed development is also not considered an amendment to the Grande Dunes Planned Unit Development (PUD).

Mayor Mark Kruea added, “Apparently, this subdivision did not rise to the level of a PUD amendment. It did not come to City Council. We don’t have the ability to put the genie back in the bottle on this.”

Community Concerns and Public Outcry

Residents have been vocal about their concerns, especially during recent city council meetings. At Tuesday’s meeting, several community members used public comment sessions to express their frustration over the potential loss of the tennis club.

Terri Springs, a longtime resident, shared her emotional connection to the club. “When I found out about the tennis courts, there was a fire that started burning in me … I played on those courts many years ago, and my kids grew up on those courts,” she said. “State law says that any amendment to a zoning district must be adopted by ordinance. That includes a PUD amendment, and staff cannot bypass council by calling a zoning change a subdivision; This is not a subdivision.”

Despite these concerns, the Planning Commission approved the subdivision, stating that whether the tennis club should be replaced is outside their purview. They noted that the site already allows for new use, the Tennis Tract would meet PUD open space requirements, and MB Tennis LLC confirmed there are no restrictive covenants preventing the development.

Social Media Reaction and Ongoing Conflict

The proposed development has sparked significant backlash on social media. Many users took to Facebook to express their disappointment, highlighting the tennis club’s rich history. The club has been a cornerstone of the community, hosting United States Tennis Association teams, private lessons, camps, and tournaments for decades.

Some residents argue that the city and planning commission are ignoring the legal process. They believe that a zoning change or PUD amendment should require council approval, which was not provided in this case.

City officials, however, maintain that all laws were followed. In a social media post, the city stated, “We know this may be disappointing for those who hoped City Council could stop the proposed subdivision to keep the tennis club open. However, City Council does not have the authority to approve or deny the property owner’s decision to pursue this subdivision. That is the function of the Planning Commission.”

What Comes Next?

As the debate continues, the future of the Grande Dunes Tennis Club remains uncertain. While the city has taken a firm stance on its lack of authority, the community is still fighting to preserve a piece of its local heritage.

Residents are considering their next steps, including potential legal action or further advocacy efforts. For now, the city stands by its position, emphasizing that the decision lies with the property owner and the Planning Commission.