[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6504545,"mediaKeyId","5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000","parentId",5595111,"title","Votes at a glance: Conway council actions Aug. 18 — annexations, UDO first readings, parks plan and executive-session items","audioSeconds",4515,"startMs",739000,"endMs",5254000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000&start=739&end=5254","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000/thumbnail_739000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6504545/Conway/Horry-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Conway-council-actions-Aug-18-annexations-UDO-first-readings-parks-plan-and-executive-session-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504545-a2ca3d76b03c3534c0d4449a1369c31a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294897&Signature=Nh7qmKfWUQI5b33SGt2gx7cdNbhnglfuvBO5BNT6w67yv2JzVamzvSsIjHMkAYU6qT9MwxB7Hufikn084MQ2JpaAcgX7y3S1R4EYEArYLGchUfsbwOAorxqTY01tVsR1di-CBS8taUMJJriALINxVmfHlFALaHZXELZT~rdqZgzh~MlSFMgXwnHdB~2xBXgdduuNvvO0HRuo1qqlj9O4qPXj4TX5sehoza0bvvt8Fn3Vu1PR1LtymuQRComD7hnjUwnag200NsK~Ln~vS1WB545wBknUBWjdz25sTph2lxhlYoE4aB6ODPeMkEF4lAvtiyd03eRR1HmzDFt1BYFvAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Conway, SC","date","2025-08-18T19:34:44Z","article","The City of Conway City Council took several formal actions Aug. 18, including first readings on multiple annexations and zoning items, adoption of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, approval of amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance on educational facilities and childcare (first readings), and executive-session decisions involving personnel and property.

Key formal actions recorded at the meeting (motions and immediate outcomes):

- Ordinance ZA2025-0902D (Pedal Pub franchise, Item 5): First reading approved with condition prohibiting alcohol aboard pedal vehicles. (Vote: unanimous on first reading)

- Annexation and rezoning ordinances — first readings approved (unanimous):
- Annex/rezone ~1.34 acres off Sixteenth Ave and Elizabeth St. to Highway Commercial (final reading amendment applied to designate flood-zone portion CP in final ordinance). (Final reading handled during consent/final reading portion.)
- Annex and zone ~35.00 acres at 152 Lander Drive to R-1 upon annexation (first reading approved).
- Annex and rezone ~109.13 acres near Culture Road & Oak Street to R-2 and Conservation Preservation upon annexation (first reading approved; Planning Commission to hold public hearing Sept. 4).
- Annex ~10.66 acres at or near Hwy 501 and Hwy 548 to Highway Commercial (first reading approved).
- Annex ~39.10 acres at 5206 Columbia Street (first reading approved).
- Annex of ~1.57 acres at 2373 West Road (Item 6c): Staff recommended disapproval; council voted to disapprove that annexation request.

- UDO amendments (first readings approved, unanimous):
- Amend Article 2 and Article 5 regarding definitions and conditional-use standards for educational facilities (to better define uses such as adult education and limited childcare functions).
- Amend Articles 2, 4, 5 and 6 for day-care facilities: allow family child care up to six children in residential districts and group childcare (7–12 children) as conditional use in certain districts, add parking and loading/unloading standards, align local definitions with state DSS categories.

- Parks & Recreation Master Plan (Item H): Council adopted the 2025 Conway Parks and Recreation Master Plan by unanimous vote and incorporated it by reference into the comprehensive plan.

- Public input and administrative items: Council discussed nuisance door-to-door water-testing flyers (not a city program) and storm/safety preparations for current flooding concerns.

Executive session outcomes (public action after executive session):

- Personnel: The council accepted Police Chief Dale Long’s request for a temporary separation from the city for a 30-day period consistent with related state retirement/return-to-work rules and appointed Captain Tammy Carter as interim police chief during the separation (motion approved unanimously).

- Grievances: Council moved to uphold the decisions of the grievance committee for two recent grievance hearings (motion approved unanimously).

- Property: Council authorized administration to offer up to $1,000,000 for the purchase of Jamestown Baptist Church and the property across the street; the motion passed unanimously. Council also approved entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) relative to a possible purchase of a property in the Jamestown area (vote passed with one member recorded as abstaining on the MOA vote).

What to expect: Several items approved on first reading will return for final readings after required notices and planning commission actions; staff said planning commission hearings are scheduled where required. Executive-session property negotiations will proceed administratively under the authorizations given by council.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Conway Council Meeting | August 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Aug. 18 meeting, the City of Conway City Council approved multiple first readings for annexations and development-code changes, adopted the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, approved a Pedal Pub franchise first reading that bans alcohol onboard, disapproved one annexation request and took several executive-session personnel and property actions.","taxTitle","Conway, Horry County, South Carolina","taxId",53933,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6504548,"Conway council clears first readings of UDO changes to define and ease limited childcare and educational uses",189,4055000,4244000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000&start=4055&end=4244","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000/thumbnail_4055000.jpg","/articles/6504548/Conway/Horry-County/South-Carolina/Conway-council-clears-first-readings-of-UDO-changes-to-define-and-ease-limited-childcare-and-educational-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504548-07b25b65210ae29dda15c981efd0295a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294897&Signature=TofzFrwwry9YBLmKsZQB9U-50iHn2NjybMwY7n-sq7b~NV5arUjQc3gkNVOqa2JGePn48OrRX9hwHKbq8iZ~H9CJ1eZdVPO-s7W4mdHbWNSkWbl7TZWLqNXe6t8mCuJZC-LpMmfbUyLEjntlFEAqb4610c-206ze-wTDx-qqbKR3cjcpee8j7uvxkOEuThCnBJylBIdYS8WImUKH~B6eWlFaF5dqEY3K3cDyQp4EF9hX~mrSHfZHPGtpAmowTtf-WqqXbCnBki~3hOifLOVaTlAH-Za-11RAyMEVumuiaLks~Lp~eAL17UM~MGRlTmZCkqty0g5sl8vBoDZSWGS6JA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Conway City Council on Aug. 18 approved first readings of two Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) amendments: one revising the definition and conditional-use standards for educational facilities and another updating requirements for day-care facilities and certain limited, state-exempt home-based childcare.

Planning staff said the educational-facility amendment responds to recent interest from Horry County Schools to repurpose the former Whittemore Park Middle School for adult education, limited childcare, therapeutic learning and JROTC programs. The amendment revises the city’s definition of an \"educational facility\" and tightens conditional-use criteria to describe allowed functions and protect nearby residential areas; planning commission and staff recommended approval.

A separate UDO amendment addresses limited childcare offerings that the State of South Carolina considers legally exempt from licensing (for example, operations under four hours per day, occasional schedules or fewer than a threshold number of children). Staff reviewed state law and practices elsewhere in South Carolina and proposed allowing family childcare (up to six children) in any residential district and group childcare (7–12 children) as a conditional use in certain districts, with requirements for residency of the operator, hours of operation, prohibition on signage and no overnight care. The amendment also includes parking requirements and a requirement for a designated on-site area for safe loading and unloading at commercial locations.

Council members expressed concern about safety and enforcement; staff said operators would be required to comply with all federal, state and local laws and that the owner/operator would be responsible for compliance. The council’s motion to approve first readings passed unanimously.

Next steps: Planning commission held public hearings in August and recommended the amendments; final readings will return to council for adoption and staff said they will continue to develop administrative processes for applying and monitoring compliance.

","Council approved first readings of amendments to the unified development ordinance to better define \"educational facilities\" and to create new, less-restrictive rules for home-based family and group child care, aligning local rules with state categories and adding general safety and parking standards.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":46,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6504552,"Conway adopts 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan to guide next decade of facilities and programs",1307,3947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000&start=3947&end=5254","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000/thumbnail_3947000.jpg","/articles/6504552/Conway/Horry-County/South-Carolina/Conway-adopts-2025-Parks-and-Recreation-Master-Plan-to-guide-next-decade-of-facilities-and-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504552-44ec7076e3a30a5168e53fcba73359df/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294897&Signature=bBACRTGOKPPIPTt1CDdSx38KOJOFRccLLSFm9StXurdrQhIkTleMYAg1EJNfu8S86YgXIbhuJIJ9Dtp4r-qQ0dFswXmrmRwgWZdjDMzjgM1-EW~qxL~SSR6msBUBDgp8L-NPnxDOLCif2XcZPLXGpFqzP6xJsFzYo6yFEsOytKC2MXDnUy6OJw26C654ugeuuT8sOwkQO1z2OeFpX1UzLAW9WxGuTOGf5dwryXup4kOp6i399fQ7rcla5ihCBy4af0ZT2gJc44D8a207ghZccOUfHAkmnIowJsneGKG39SvdHNJYlDMomCTeL25VE~Qr4g3QaA9Ko6gwGtt~TsCwug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Conway on Aug. 18 adopted the 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and incorporated it by reference into the city’s comprehensive plan after a presentation from the plan’s consultants.

Consultants from GreenbergFarrow and Brandstetter Carroll told council the master plan was developed over a year with stakeholder meetings, public surveys (about 700 responses), event engagement and an inventory of city parks and facilities. The plan establishes a 10-year vision and mission, goals and values for Conway parks and recreation, and includes 145 recommendations ranging from branding and wayfinding to expanded athletic fields, a larger splash pad, additional pickleball courts and a proposed amphitheater or permanent downtown stage.

Key recommendations highlighted by consultants include continuing the Pathways and Trails plan, upgrading Crabtree Greenway, expanding formal kayak/canoe launches on the Waccamaw River Park and transforming sections of that park into a nature education destination. The consultants also recommended improving support features (restrooms, shade, drinking fountains), expanding the Sports & Fitness Center or adding additional recreation centers to address capacity, and creating a field-use priority policy for transparent allocation of athletic fields.

Consultants said the document contains an executive summary one-page sheet that condenses priorities and a chapter with recommendations and cost estimates. The plan’s action chapter includes an implementation checklist with timelines and cost estimates for items ranging from short-term (branding, signage) to multi-year projects requiring capital investment.

Councilmembers praised the plan and the parks staff for engagement and early implementation steps; the council voted unanimously to adopt the plan and incorporate it into the comprehensive plan. City staff said some work—such as trail recutting at Waccamaw River Park and field upgrades—has already begun.

","City council voted unanimously to incorporate the Conway Parks and Recreation Master Plan into the comprehensive plan; consultants outlined a 10-year vision emphasizing trails, additional athletic fields, expanded programming and branding.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6504557,"Council approves first reading to annex and zone culture/oak-area parcel to R-2 and conservation preservation",725,1521000,2246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000&start=1521&end=2246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000/thumbnail_1521000.jpg","/articles/6504557/Conway/Horry-County/South-Carolina/Council-approves-first-reading-to-annex-and-zone-cultureoak-area-parcel-to-R-2-and-conservation-preservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504557-ad7a0771106f4d6edce320f206bb7156/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294897&Signature=MNAoq3smXBy1fBf22DjLBh8l9nFCvWCCaI-kXX74pVsH08TeujvgpKHt0vyYfNWwhcE-~TF57XMT3HaQ2dKT3S2lPDjeSuLpBmyJCetglDDPHmifLvSaycGhYE2g~AS6yUSYRsej9VLEHTpf5uDhXdEdgVTtJC7Q8VXt4ysfY0UVXKWqn3tJCWTGxuSDyu0I~3zBxeQMZPYeAGRCRMe6uOiyn1WKIGkCz5IfnFBBs1pOlG9gmi5j5fKFU-SkkrqTOr2~cl6-u73mMcIF7d8iOs7qN0HVz2Pu5cid-AEURSJoJa0Z0kGG7nMpOCCvc3REZkWxHxZjXd49gmdvPN6UJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Conway on Aug. 18 approved first reading of an ordinance to annex and rezone about 109.13 acres near the intersection of Culture Road and Oak Street to medium-density residential (R-2) and Conservation Preservation (CP) upon annexation.

City planning staff told council the parcel sits partly in AE flood zone and a small portion in a floodway. As a result, staff recommended a split zoning approach so that the sections within flood-prone and environmentally sensitive areas would receive Conservation Preservation zoning upon annexation; staff estimated roughly 43 acres would be designated CP. The change follows a 2023 council ordinance that permits split zoning at annexation when properties contain flood zones, floodways or wetlands.

Planning staff noted the future land use map includes neighborhood commercial and high-density residential designations for portions of the property, but expressed concern that commercial development adjacent to flood-prone areas would increase impervious surfaces and stormwater runoff, potentially causing greater flood impacts and environmental contamination. Staff said the applicant has agreed to CP designation for flood-impacted areas \"in perpetuity,\" which staff presented as contributing to the city’s flood resilience goals.

Council members discussed affordable-housing incentives and tools such as smaller lot sizes, density bonuses and partnerships with nonprofit or housing authorities; staff said such incentives cannot be required of a developer but can be encouraged through zoning and incentives. Council and staff also discussed road access, stub connections to Midtown Village and the potential for limited road construction across CP areas under certain exceptions.

After discussion, council approved first reading unanimously and sent the zoning to planning commission for a public hearing scheduled Sept. 4. Final reading of annexation and rezoning is expected to return to council with planning commission's recommendation.

","Council gave first reading to rezone roughly 109.13 acres near Culture Road and Oak Street to medium-density residential (R-2) and Conservation Preservation upon annexation, with staff citing flood-zone acreage and recommending split zoning to protect environmentally sensitive areas.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6504561,"Conway council OKs first reading of Pedal Pub franchise — no alcohol allowed",671,845000,1516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000&start=845&end=1516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5595111-2ac8e72e39521b6b2dcc05758b552000/thumbnail_845000.jpg","/articles/6504561/Conway/Horry-County/South-Carolina/Conway-council-OKs-first-reading-of-Pedal-Pub-franchise-no-alcohol-allowed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504561-70ee1195b6e2212fa9ac477941b7803d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294897&Signature=XCjD1svnzhc9KHVImG1bHBdJe8zHWy8QuIVBgxXt8Jj-Ox1CL60cFOZX97v5pcYV2JEsLtFvS2LCDCSL3c0hQPhAAzO1TdIHgVagrxGGn99SubPiINrHflmdxtGFg4tBDxkK4F5WNpNbXEFnVAuWHAC~G0CkfYkl-xfkvhM9PsoMLzKfimtYRSpZ2UCQxJsxhpi-~QbVErJVNGRQwDkI09puwjxdu~SUs22L~OV1tEIIostqdRyayZMURv5tZQdgaOsbfx5vUyVHI8WCXP3wvXaTJBbfzQm1pDPtZAdnwS9QsP7IouVMI93-IOkj96sCrBL3AOjU2DzDpY94dTzZcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Conway City Council gave first reading Aug. 18 to an ordinance (ZA2025-0902D) granting a nonexclusive franchise to Bridal Pub/Global Leisure Management to operate downtown Pedal Pub tours, with pickup and drop-off at the city-owned property at 7 Elm Street, contingent on a prohibition on alcohol aboard the vehicles.

City staff had recommended disapproval because of enforcement concerns, particularly open-container rules on state roads such as Third Avenue, but told council the company could operate if alcohol was not a part of the ride. During the public hearing, representatives for Bridal Pub said the business’s planned two-hour tours would focus on downtown dining and cultural stops and that they had presented the concept without selling alcohol on board.

The ordinance as presented would extend a privilege to use streets, parking and other city-owned amenities that does not exist without a franchise. Miss Wilkerson, a city staffer, told council that a franchise must receive two council readings and public notice in a newspaper of general circulation before becoming final; staff suggested either disapproval or approval as a three-month pilot to evaluate enforcement issues.

Bridal Pub owner Thomas Palmeri and Angie Geffinger, regional manager for Global Leisure Management, told council the tours were designed to bring 15–16 patrons per two-hour tour into local businesses and that the company had presented its concept during the council’s workshop. Palmeri said the concept had been presented to the council previously without alcohol on board and that lemonade or similar nonalcoholic beverages would be acceptable.

Council members and staff discussed the proximity of the designated pickup/drop-off point to children’s areas. Councilman Larry White raised a question about the splash pad; staff clarified the pickup point is nearer the former tennis center, not the splash pad.

After discussion, the council moved and seconded approval of first reading on the condition the franchise operate without alcohol consumption aboard the pedal vehicles. The motion passed unanimously on a voice/hand vote.

What happens next: The ordinance requires a second reading before final adoption. Council members said they expect to monitor how the operation functions if allowed and to revisit any enforcement issues if they arise.

","The Conway City Council gave first reading to an ordinance allowing Bridal Pub/Global Leisure Management to run downtown pedal-tour rides from 7 Elm Street, provided the tours do not involve alcohol; staff had recommended disapproval over enforcement concerns with open containers on state roads.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Conway council actions Aug. 18 — annexations, UDO first readings, parks plan and executive-session items

Conway council clears first readings of UDO changes to define and ease limited childcare and educational uses

Conway adopts 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan to guide next decade of facilities and programs

Council approves first reading to annex and zone culture/oak-area parcel to R-2 and conservation preservation

Conway council OKs first reading of Pedal Pub franchise — no alcohol allowed