NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC— Construction could start as early as March 1 on a large resort that received final approval Feb. 18 from North Myrtle Beach City Council, according to a report in The Sun News. The council approved a zoning change that allows the 544-unit Fairfield Ocean Drive Resort to go up as a planned-unit development between Fourth and Fifth avenues South. The resort had been rejected twice by the citys Planning Commission and protested by residents from all over the city. In relation to more heavily developed Myrtle Beach, developers say North Myrtle Beach presents a unique opportunity. North Myrtle Beach planning officials say the city has 1,400 acres of undeveloped or underdeveloped land. Construction on the Fairfields towers and parking facilities is expected to take 4 1/2 years. Fairfield Resorts estimates about 2,400 visitors and new residents will fill the hotel rooms and time share, with each time-share party spending about $145 a day. The company estimates the resort could generate more than $1.6 million in property taxes annually. As part of the development, the developer also agreed to give $300,000 to the citys parks and recreation fund. SOURCE: The Sun News
