The Greater Burgess Community Association wants to make sure our residents have accurate information about the rezoning request involving Wards Soft Serve & Storage. There has been some misinformation circulating, so we want to clearly explain the facts.
1. We fully support Wards Soft Serve & Storage.
They are longstanding members of our community, and we appreciate their business and their commitment to Burgess. Our concern is not about their current operation or their intentions.
2. Our concern is the zoning category they have applied for: RE4.
RE4 is one of the broadest commercial zoning districts in Horry County. Once a property is rezoned to RE4, it stays that way permanently, even if the property is sold years from now. Under RE4, the following types of businesses could legally operate on that parcel:
This list shows why RE4 is far too broad for this location. Even if Wards Soft Serve & Storage has no intention of leaving, future owners could put any of these uses on that corner, and the community would have no ability to stop it.
With the traffic issues already present at that intersection, we must ask: Would anyone welcome a gas station or a Jiffy Lube on that corner? Because once RE4 is approved, that becomes a real possibility.
3. This issue is completely separate from the Sampit40acre project.
The rezoning request for 130 singlefamily homes is a different matter. The GBCA has rejected that proposal several times in its current form. The developer is now meeting with local neighborhoods to determine what—if anything—might be acceptable.
4. Please rely on facts, not Facebook rumors.
We encourage everyone in Burgess to stay informed, ask questions, and verify information before reacting. Our goal is simple: protect the rights, character, and longterm stability of the entire Burgess community.
Sincerely
The Greater Burgess Community Association Board