Limestone Charter seeks to build two new schools along River Oaks Drive

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - One South Carolina educational institution hopes to build two new charter schools in the River Oaks area of Carolina Forest.

Limestone Charter wants to bring the schools to the area that has already seen overcrowding in their high schools. Data shows Carolina Forest High School, the only high school in that immediate area, is at 127% capacity.

North American Land Trust owns the property off River Oaks Drive near Village Oaks and wants to work with Limestone Charter to bring the schools to the area. NALT is represented by Bolton & Menk. A representative for B&M spoke during Wednesday’s Carolina Forest Civic Association meeting about why these schools could be beneficial.

“It’s an ideal location for a charter school,” said Mike Wooten, B&M representative.

In his presentation Wednesday night, Wooten said this could be the answer to the overcrowding issues in the region.

“This would be an opportunity for kids to come to that charter school from an already taxed school. This school would also not go against Horry County’s school budget,” said Wooten.

Some residents at the meeting were concerned over impacts on infrastructure and the two-lane River Oaks Drive.

“I am not happy that a school is going there and that’s mainly because they’re really not dealing with the congestion of traffic on River Oaks,” said Elaine Apfelbaum.

A roadway expansion along with traffic signals could be in the works for the heavily traveled stretch of roadway, just not in the immediate future.

Meanwhile, Kristi Clifford attended the meeting and said her kids attended charter schools and said she’s all in.

“I think right now in Myrtle Beach, anything we can do to focus on education is an investment,” said Clifford.

The rezoning request is expected to be discussed during a Horry County Planning Commission workshop at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 28.

The request will then be presented to the commission on Thursday, April 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Once the commission either makes its recommendation for or against the rezoning application approval, it will then head to the Horry County Council for three readings/votes.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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