Mike Wooten has gotten an update from representatives of the proposed Charter School and Coastal High School (Tupelo Cove).
This is the same parcel considered by the Grand Strand Humane Society recently along River Oaks DR.
There will be a re-zoning application being presented at the Horry County Planning Commission Workshop (no public input) on Thursday (March 28) and voted by the HC Planning Commission at their meeting on Thursday, April 4. The agendas and meeting times are on the website:
http://www.horrycountysc.gov the Friday before each meeting. Sign up for public input is on the HC website as well.
The planning documents are attached and will also be available for download from the HC website.
This will go before HC Council for three (3) readings starting in either late April or in May. HC Council Agenda are also noted on the HC website calendar with their agendas the Friday prior to the HC Meeting.
Here is Mr. Wooten's update as requested at the March 20, 2024 CF Civic Association Meeting. There will be representatives from the Charter School at both meetings.
As committed during the meeting , I contacted School representatives to gain answers the questions regarding the school. As stated, I couldn’t answer any school-related questions because I represent the landowner, not the user.
I’m really happy that I explained that fact to the folks last night because I had no idea how much I REALLY didn’t know.
The Charter School is already in existence, located off of Palmetto Point Blvd. near Myrtle Beach. It’s been there for eleven (11) years, but its growth is capped at 210 students. That is why they wish to move to the new location. Sherri Oskin is the High School principal and leader in the Charter School arena and a former educator in Horry County. If we are awarded the zoning, they will begin with 332 students and build that population over five (5) years to the 500 limit in high school. The school plans to grow up to 75 students yearly until its cap. The High School students from the Carolina Forest area can walk and bike to school, limiting some traffic issues. They WILL NOT need to occupy the middle school facility until 2028, as they plan to leave the middle school at the present location (lease obligations). As such, those asking to delay the school population will, in a way, get what they want. Under this scenario, the middle school would open after River Oaks is widened. The High School is on a five (5) year growth plan.
The school is open to public enrollment until it reaches a limit, which will be determined by lottery. They relayed that about 80% of their students are from Carolina Forest!!! As such, relocating the school in Carolina Forest will likely reduce vehicular trips rather than increase them.
I’ve asked that school representatives attend the PC workshop and the PC public Hearing so that more enlightened people can explain their program.
The link to Coastal High School's website for folks to check out is attached: https://coastalhs.org/
Again, thank you for all you do for Carolina Forest and for your guidance and advice.
Mike Wooten
James M. Wooten, PE*
Principal Engineer
Bolton & Menk, Inc.