By Emma Ritch, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Oct. 22--Myrtle Beach City Council hesitated at a workshop Thurs day to commit funds to the proposed $23 million Cal Ripken youth baseball complex.
Council members did not agree with developers' request for $1 million and had questions about benefits to the community's youth teams, but they could take action on the proposal at Tuesday's meeting.
Developers would have to agree to $500,000 in city-funded public infrastructure, said city spokesman Mark Kruea.
Council members also said they wanted scholarships for children in Myrtle Beach or free use of the fields when tournaments weren't taking place.
If the council gave the entire requested amount, the other half million dollars likely would be in the form of a grant.
Developers are looking at other possible cities for the complex and say that they want public infrastructure benefits such as water and sewer lines and roads. They are asking for $2 million to $3 million jointly from Myrtle Beach City Council, Horry County Council and the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
The 50-acre park would be located at 10th Avenue North Extension and U.S. 17 Bypass on land that would have to be annexed into the city.
The council also listened to a presentation about a possible sports complex on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, which council members said could be used in conjunction with the Ripken complex.
'I think both the sports complex and the Ripken development have merit, and they can work together,' Councilman Phil Render said.
In addition, City Council offered its unanimous approval to proposal to change the height limit for amusement structures to 210 feet in the amusement district, which would allow businessman Bill Prescott to build a slingshot or other vertical tower that shoots riders into the air.
Council members said they were not concerned about noise. The ride would be at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and 12th Avenue North.
Members said the proposal would pass its first reading Tuesday and the Planning Commission would be forced to make a recommendation at its next meeting.
The council also:
--Considered a request from Horry County Council for $1.5 million to fund a temporary space at the Myrtle Beach International Airport terminal.
--Approved $985,936 for two new firetrucks for the 38th Avenue fire station.
--Discussed whether to have a collection agency pursue the $237,645 in unpaid parking ticket citations.
--Chose four candidates to interview for the two open municipal court judge positions.
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