The Conflict I Know

Conflict is a term easily related to war, and protests and clashes are seemingly everywhere in this era. However, there is another conflict that cities are plagued with and that is financial trouble, especially in the recovery periods following a recession.

I have lived in Myrtle Beach since 2011, well after the recession of 07-08 was over and into recovery. There has never been a city center to Myrtle Beach, but the boulevard that runs along the ocean hosts visitors throughout the year and responds to the political climate of the country. When tensions arise elsewhere, they also arise along this beach axis. The boulevard has become known for crime and poverty. Along with the rest of Myrtle Beach, it was hit hard by the recession. In recovery, there was this period of time in which the city could have rallied and pulled all their resources into making the boulevard, and main source of income, welcoming again.

This was passed over, in favor of finishing the half-completed job of Market Common, a new mixed-use and residential community. Market Common was officially completed in 2008 and has become the safest area of gathering, shopping, and dining in Myrtle Beach. Ironically, it is one of the wealthiest areas of the city and the average resident can hardly afford to shop or dine there, the complex still largely catering to the tourist. Now that the recession is more than over, the boulevard is worse than it ever has been. While I’m thankful for the safety of Market Common, the rest of the city is decaying. These pockets of new urbanism are threatening the existence of this old beach town.