Council says Coral Sands Myrtle Beach Motel Must Come Down

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Motions 2021-158 and 2021-159 to demolish buildings 301, 302, and 303 of the Coral Sands Motel after deeming the cost of repairs too high in relation to assessed value of the property from Horry County land records were passed in a relatively short session.

Harkishin Bhambhani, motel owner and his lawyer wanted a 90 day timeline that the city would agree to for making the necessary repairs.

The council wanted to allow Bhambhani to come up with an engineering report within 60 days without allowing construction on the property for the next 11 months to comply with a judge’s order shutting down the Coral Sands Motel for one year.

The motel was deemed a nuisance due to the “alarming” number of calls for drugs and prostitution.

These motions are separate from the judge’s order, and was due to a list of code violations and “structure damage.” The buildings faced serious structural and electrical issues, a building inspector said. Bhambhani and his lawyer said those claims are unfounded.

“There’s no structural issues, period,” Bhambhani said. “The electrical issues were repaired/”

Mayor Brenda Bethune said,  Mr. Bhambhani cared so much about this property he would’ve been bringing it up to code all along, not waiting to get a letter. “Not waiting for the solicitor to step in, and not waiting for us to make a motion. He cares not for his property or its condition.”

Michael Chestnut introduced the motion to demolish the buildings. Bethune, Mike Lowder, and Gregg Smith all voted in favor of the motion. Philip Render was not present.

It  could take some time. The demolition could be appealed and a court could order an injunction, but it’s clear  the city wants that the buildings to come down. 

The Myrtle Beach PD investigation determined most of the guests at the Coral Sands use the Motel to distribute illegal drugs and engage in prostitution,” the petition stated. And that management and security purchase illegal drugs from tenants and provide discounts on rooms in exchange for drugs and sex acts. Management also accepts bribes in exchange for allowing people to sell drugs at the Coral Sands and has a room set aside for drug use and prostitution.

 

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