Myrtle Beach-area neighborhood watch meets to discuss issues, crime

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Residents are one step closer to being free of the nightmare that plagues Rasmey Acres after a long-awaited neighborhood watch meeting.

The city of Myrtle Beach met Wednesday with homeowners in the Ramsey Acres neighborhood, addressing concerns on a strip of land between Highway 501 and Robert Grissom Parkway grappling with a recent rise in violence, drug dealing, and prostitution.

Just last week, city leaders met with these residents to discuss concerns over drug activity, hoarding, and prostitution.

Myrtle Beach Assistant City Manager, Josh Breugger, told us several city departments, and officers from the Myrtle Beach Police Department are working together to address these problems at tonight’s meeting.

Breugger also said the city is looking to add more lights and cameras in the area.

“Perception often time is reality,” he said. “We as a city have got to address that and find ways to make the citizens feel safe. So I know, I work very closely with the police chief and she has dedicated a lot of resources out there.”

City officials are also targeting nuisance properties in the area, reportedly notifying people in one problematic home of a potential takeover if they don’t clean up their act in seven days.

That announcement is a breath of fresh air to some folks who said they can’t wait to see their neighborhood return to its former glory.

“Hopefully it’ll change for the better,” resident, Jim Henry said.

Residents hope for better lighting, nuisance crackdowns, and a bigger police presence to deter unwanted crowds from their homes.

Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.