The North Myrtle Beach City Council on (meeting date not specified) postponed consideration of a proposed amendment to the Parkway Group Planned Development District (PDD) after several council members said the packet did not show the full scope of changes and raised concerns about density, parking and the removal of a commercial component.

The item, introduced as a first-reading ordinance to revise the PDD’s preserves and related development standards, drew extended discussion from council members and the project representative. Councilwoman Fontana moved to postpone the matter to a council workshop; her motion was seconded and the postponement carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The applicant is asking to eliminate a small commercial area and reallocate that land to residential use, which council members said would increase residential density in parts of the PDD and could reduce visibility or viability of any remaining commercial uses. Council members asked for a side-by-side comparison of what the PDD approved in 2022 and the new layout now before the city.

Discussion and staff/applicant responses

Council members said the materials in the packet did not make clear how the proposed changes fit with the larger Parkway Group project. Councilmember comments referenced unclear setbacks, tight driveway geometry, and potential parking and circulation constraints for units in the proposed layout.

A project representative (name not specified in the public record) told council the proposal would not reduce the PDD’s overall green space and said, “we are almost double what the PDD requires” for preserved open area. The representative also said the design provides two parking spaces for every house.

Several council members said they could not approve the amendment without seeing the full, combined project plans showing where density would be shifted and how multi-family and single‑family areas would be modified. One councilmember asked the applicant to return with the whole project so the council could see any net density reductions elsewhere in the PDD.

Next steps

Council voted to postpone the Parkway Group PDD items (the first-reading ordinance and two companion amendments to the PDD development agreement) to a workshop so staff and the applicant can present the previously approved 2022 design alongside the proposed changes and address questions about setbacks, circulation and parking. Staff said it will distribute dates and aim for a workshop in late January or the first half of February.

Votes at a glance (items acted on at this meeting)

- Memorandum of Understanding — City of North Myrtle Beach and City of Myrtle Beach (mutual aid for fire/public safety): approved by voice vote (aye unanimous). Motion and second not specified in the transcript.

- Ordinance, second reading — Annexation and zoning designation for 13.32 acres on Tom E. Chestnut Road: approved on second reading by voice vote (aye unanimous). Motion and second not specified in the transcript.

- Ordinance, second reading — Amendment to Chapter 6 (buildings, construction, related activities) of the Code of Ordinances: approved on second reading by voice vote (ayes unanimous). Two council members recused themselves from discussion on this item (recusals were announced in the meeting; names not specified in the vote text of the transcript).

- Ordinance, second reading — Amendment to Chapter 23 (zoning) addressing tree replacement values: approved on second reading by voice vote (aye unanimous).

- Ordinance, first reading — Amendment to the Parkway Group PDD revising preserves and associated development agreements (items 7a, 7b, 7c): postponed to workshop by motion of Councilwoman Fontana; second not specified. Vote to postpone unanimous.

- Ordinance, first reading — Amendment to Chapter 20 (land development regulations) creating a sketch-plan step for major subdivisions and in‑common residential developments: approved on first reading by voice vote (aye unanimous). Supporters said the sketch-plan step will allow earlier design dialogue to preserve trees and to address layout concerns before significant engineering expense.

- Change to council meeting start time — Motion to change the regular council meeting time to 6 p.m.: adopted by voice vote (aye unanimous).

Discussion vs. decision

Council distinguished between discussion and formal action. The Parkway Group PDD amendment generated extended discussion but no decision on the substance; the council’s formal action was to postpone and require a workshop. Other items in the agenda received formal votes and, where applicable, second readings and approvals.

Public comment and nonbinding requests

A member of the public asked the council to consider recognition for a North Myrtle Beach native, CW3 Sonny Owens, who was killed in action during Operation Just Cause; council directed staff to follow up. A citizen praised the city’s holiday lighting and police and parks staff for the display. A standing committee on retail bag regulation was reported to be preparing a recommendation that will be returned to council in the new year.

What to watch for

Staff will circulate possible workshop dates; the postponed Parkway Group items will return after the council workshop with side‑by‑side materials comparing the 2022 preliminary approval and the new proposals. The workshop is expected to cover setbacks, parking and the proposed conversion of commercial land to residential uses.