Municipal Association Executive Director Todd Glover, left, presents an Achievement Award trophy for Population 1,001 — 5,000 Category to Surfside Beach Mayor Bob Hellyer during the 2021 Annual Meeting on Hilton Head Island. (download image)
The Town of Surfside Beach has received a Municipal Achievement Award for its 3rd Avenue South Promenade project. The town won in the 1,001 – 5,000 population category. Twenty-seven cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives for consideration in the awards.
3rd Avenue South serves as part of Surfside Beach’s commercial district, but it has historically not received the same attention given to the more-traveled Surfside Drive. With fewer customers and inadequate parking, the street experienced heavy business turnover. The town, seeking to create a destination on the street for shopping and dining, decided to pursue infrastructure upgrades to make new commercial activity more feasible. It completed an overhaul of the block including drainage, improved parking, handicapped access, wider sidewalks, underground utilities, decorative streetlights and street resurfacing.
The town began by successfully petitioning the SC Department of Transportation to transfer ownership of the street to the town, engaging with the utility provider on the feasibility of relocating utilities underground and presenting the project to the public. Surfside Beach obtained nearly full funding for the project from Horry County “C” funds, the SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism and utility franchise funds. The town’s grounds personnel completed the landscaping. The town collaborated with contractors, engineers and business stakeholders to complete the extensive transformation. This partnership avoided complaints of lost business as the work unfolded.
“As the storefronts along 3rd Avenue South fill with new patrons, including a sidewalk cafe, the town has clearly succeeded in creating a heightened sense of belonging and purpose for this long-neglected area,” said Todd Glover, executive director for the Municipal Association.
These winning entries represent innovative projects undertaken by Municipal Association member cities and towns. Information and a video about the project are available on the Association’s website accessible by visiting www.masc.sc (keyword: Achievement Awards).
The Municipal Association of SC initiated the Achievement Awards in 1987 to recognize and encourage innovations and excellence in local government.
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