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City council approves first readings, special events and cost‑sharing; denies one annexation
Summary
At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Conway City Council approved first readings on two annexation ordinances and a first reading to sell riverfront property, approved special-event and vehicle purchases and a cost‑sharing agreement, and denied annexation of the Conway Plantation Mobile Home Park.
Conway City Council on Aug. 4 approved multiple first readings and routine items, voted to deny one annexation and signed a cost‑sharing agreement with Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority.
The council voted unanimously to approve first reading of an ordinance authorizing sale of city-owned property along the Conway riverfront to a private development team, approved first reading to annex approximately 0.35 acre at 15152 Landry Drive, and approved first reading on an annexation request for roughly 109.13 acres near the corner of Culture Road and Oak Street. Council also denied a separate annexation request for the Conway Plantation Mobile Home Park. The meeting recorded unanimous approval of a special event permit for the “Graveyard Grand Prix” coffin races, authorization to replace a totaled police vehicle using department capital funds, and approval of a sewer cost‑sharing agreement with Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority.
Why it matters: The riverfront sale and the larger annexation could affect future development and utilities in those neighborhoods; denial of the Plantation Mobile Home Park annexation leaves its regulatory status with Horry County and maintains existing constraints identified by city staff. The cost‑sharing agreement will allocate expenses for recently completed sewer transmission work that benefits both the city and the regional utility.
Key votes and motions (summaries)
- Ordinance 2025-0818A (first reading): Authorize sale of certain real property along the Conway riverfront to private developers for mixed uses including a restaurant, event space and up to 15 residential units. Motion for first reading approved unanimously. (Presentation by city staff.)
- Ordinance ZA‑2025‑0902A (first reading): Annex approximately 0.35 acre at 15152 Landry Drive to allow connection to city utilities. Motion for first reading approved unanimously. (Presented by planning staff.)
- Ordinance ZA‑2025‑0902B (annexation request for Conway Plantation Mobile Home Park, ~110.25 acres): Staff recommended against annexation citing nonconforming manufactured home sites, substandard internal roads, and stormwater deficits. Council voted to deny annexation (motion to deny carried unanimously).
- Ordinance ZA‑2025‑0902C (first reading): Annex approximately 109.13 acres near Culture Road and Oak Street for future residential development; council approved first reading, with one councilmember recorded as opposed during final vote.
- Subdivision naming: Council approved the name Reserve at Elmhurst for a proposed Oak Street subdivision (approximately 144 single‑family homes) and approved renaming a Wild Wing plan development from Lively at Wild Wing to Haven at Wild Wing. Both motions carried unanimously.
- Special event permit: The Conway Chamber of Commerce’s Graveyard Grand Prix coffin races (Oct. 25) were approved; event includes street closures, vendors, live music and police/fire support. Motion carried unanimously.
- Police vehicle replacement: Council authorized immediate replacement of a totaled 2025 patrol vehicle (P‑38) with a sole‑source purchase of an in‑stock 2025 model for $47,109 to be paid from department capital funds with insurance proceeds applied to offset cost. Motion carried unanimously. Staff said equipment inside the replacement vehicle was already included and no interior equipment was damaged in the totaled vehicle.
- Sewer cost‑sharing resolution: Council authorized execution of a cost‑sharing agreement with Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority for the recently completed large sewer main project; staff recommended approval and council approved the resolution unanimously.
Process notes: Several items were first readings only and require a second reading for final adoption; the council consistently noted when annexation approval would be followed by zoning consideration and a planning‑commission public hearing. One annexation (Culture Road/Oak Street) passed first reading but zoning will be considered separately at future meetings. The council also scheduled related planning commission public hearings for Aug. 7 where applicable.
Speakers identified in meeting record: Barbara Jo Blaine, Mayor; John Emerick, City Administrator; Kim Wilkerson, Planning staff; Emery (city staff presenting riverfront sale); Councilmembers Helms, White, Carpenter, Butler, Hartwick/Hartley (as recorded); Captain Austin (Conway Police); Chief Hendrick (fire); John Rogers (special events); Miss Hyman (city staff).
