Horry County launches streetscape project to address Garden City infrastructure issues

GARDEN CITY, SC (WMBF) – Horry County is partnering with local organizations on a five-phase streetscape project designed to reduce flooding and improve infrastructure in Garden City.

Knee-deep water flooding streets, homes and businesses is common during storms or high king tides in Garden City, according to community members.

The project, currently in the permitting phase, addresses drainage issues, reduces the impact of high tides and improves water quality. It also moves overhead utilities underground and adds sidewalks to the community.

Phase one covers Waccamaw Drive from the Georgetown County line to Magnolia Avenue. It also includes Atlantic Avenue from Waccamaw Drive to the marsh.

Construction workers Sam Moore and Corey Mote described problems caused by poor drainage that they repair throughout the year.

“More foundation, so where the water comes in the sand settles and gets loose, so you have a post that just sinks in,” Mote said. “And some floors will rot, people will fall through the floors, we’ll have to fix that, and then mold is a big issue, because water gets into the dry wall and sheet rock.”

Moore said the community deserves better infrastructure.

“If we can get the problem fixed, let’s get the problem fixed,” he said.

Once finished, residents and visitors will see brighter street lights, more parking, new crosswalks at major intersections and fresh asphalt on Waccamaw Drive.

Consultants for Santee Cooper and Horry County are reaching out to homeowners and businesses for easements for the project along South Waccamaw Drive, South Dogwood Drive, Atlantic Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, Azalea Avenue and Holly Avenue.

Property owners in these areas can expect contact by mail or phone with more details.

After the southern part of Waccamaw Drive is completed, phase two begins from Magnolia Avenue to Cypress Avenue.

Eventually, similar improvements will stretch north to Melody Lane.

A county spokesperson said they are unsure when the entire project will be complete since it is only in the first phase.

For more information, click here.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WMBF. For more free content like this, download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.