Myrtle Beach, SC-- Timber has been cleared and bush and debris have been removed from property located on both sides of Bob Grissom Parkway just yards away from Joe White Avenue.

Long known as a Myrtle Beach “problem spot” for the homeless and vandals, the clearing is being coordinated through LITUS* Properties on behalf of property owners who reside out of state. “We decided that this was the best solution for the property and for Myrtle Beach as a whole,” said Joe Garrell, LITUS* Properties President and Chief Executive Officer.   

In recent years, the problems regarding this area have escalated.  Garrell has worked closely with Myrtle Beach police officer, Kim Poirier. “I have answered many calls in this area,” she said. “Not only was the area a problem in terms of safety, it was an eyesore resulting from debris from those who have called the area “home”.  Clearing the land is really the only way,” she said.  “No Trespassing signs which have been posted in the past, and even the presence of patrol cars, have done little to deter the situation.” 

Poirier, who has championed efforts to assist the area’s homeless, agrees that the clearing is in the best interest of everyone involved.  A recent workshop, “Help Us Help You”, conducted at Myrtle Beach’s Community Assistance Center and coordinated, in part, by Poirier, was an effort at providing solutions for the Grand Strand’s homeless and working poor. 

Horry County had the third highest number of homeless people in the state in 2007, according to the South Carolina Council on Homelessness.  “Myrtle Beach alone has close to 1,000, but here is no way to know for sure,’ said Officer Poirier.