Council advances Parkway PDD preserves in first reading after debate over alleys, utilities and trash service; workshop ordered before second reading

The North Myrtle Beach City Council approved on first reading an amendment to the Parkway Group Plan Development District (PDD) that reduces the overall project density, but members said significant technical details must be resolved before second reading.

Developer representatives presented the revised plan for Neighborhood 3 (Wax Myrtle at Watersack), saying the proposal reduces the project’s overall entitlement and preserves more open space and trees. Planning staff and council members cited a reduction in total authorized units from 826 to 613 — a cut of 213 units — though earlier documents and remarks referenced smaller, parcel‑level reductions as well.

The bulk of the public discussion focused on two categories of technical concerns raised by Public Works staff and others: the use of 20‑foot private alleys and whether those alleys provide sufficient room for vehicle maneuvering, utilities and city services; and how trash collection will be handled for fee‑simple (for‑sale) townhome units rather than units held in common…