Myrtle Beach continues efforts to shut down the May bike rally
For some time now, the city of Myrtle Beach has been working on plans to end the Memorial Day Harley Davidson rally and "black bike week" the week after the Harley rally. In June of this year, the city passed a 3-million dollar property tax increase, to fund anti-rally efforts. Last month at a city council meeting to discuss the anti-rally campaign, supporters of the bike rally were told by Myrtle Beach mayor John Rhodes, "If you don't like it, I'd leave."
Myrtle Beach does not sponsor any motorcycle events, and cannot simply order the rally not to come next May. So, the plan is to do everything possible to harass the motorcyclists and vendors in an attempt to force them out. The proposals so far include new laws declaring unpermitted rallies and events to be public nuisances, creating a midnight curfew, closing bars at 2 am, requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets (not a requirement under state law), towing and impounding all motorcycles that do not meet noise standards, checkpoints where motorcycles will be monitored for noise, and traffic diversion such as barriers and closed streets.
The city will call offenses "infractions" rather than criminal offenses - an "administrative hearing system" could be implemented to deal with "civil punishments" for infractions. Business owners or persons who sponsor rally events that "require a heightened law enforcement response" could be held liable for the city's expenses. Business owners and property owners may be required to install video cameras or even hire guards to enforce new parking lot ordinances.
Myrtle Beach is my home, and this is an embarrassment to me. Our city is saying that we cannot tolerate diversity, if the rally does not leave we will pre-meditatedly violate the civil rights of motorcyclists and business owners, and we will not permit anyone to speak in dissent. I sincerely hope that the rally will come in May of 2009, and that these ridiculous measures that have been proposed will cost the city more than they bargained for in litigation.
Welcome bikers.
Comments
There are 3 big disappointments to me regarding this situation.
First is the reaction to "ban" any group of people from coming to our town. To think that that is even something that's possible to accomplish boggles my mind. Let's put a big velvet rope around Horry County! That's the best way to ensure MORE bikers come and they'll have less respect for our fair city. I think we can be more creative and constructive than that.
Second is financing these shenanigans with local dollars. (I own property and businesses within the city limits). The speed at which that tax increase was passed through was impressive. Is the increased occupancy load a strain on our resources? Fine, implement a temporary sales tax increase on food/alcohol/lodging within the city limits.
Finally, why are we denying what we really are? We aren't Charleston. We aren't Pawleys Island. For better or for worse, we're the blue collar family and high school kids vacation spot. People come here to escape their boring small town lives for a cheap weekend. They get an oceanfront room at a decent price, sit on the beach all day, and eat some fried seafood. We don't need "high end shopping experiences". We don't need more "luxury condos". We definitely don't need theme parks that cost a family of 3 over $100 for a couple of hours entertainment.
But those high-end national restaurants and high-end national shops have no problem paying high-end leases. I think we all know who holds the largest amount of commercial leasable space in Myrtle Beach. If you don't think all of these crazy things aren't tied into that agenda, then I've got some pre-construction condos I'd like to sell ya!
Posted by: Paul Reynolds | September 19, 2008 11:23 AM
Sorry, in that last sentence I meant to say "If you think all of these crazy things aren't...."
Posted by: Paul | September 19, 2008 11:43 AM
I hope the City Council and Mayor or going to take a pay cut due to these new laws implemented, because do they realize the revenue that will be lost due to them?
Posted by: Becky Mull | January 4, 2009 2:26 PM
Don't forget friends. The Myrtle beach cops will have DECIBEL GUNS to point at your motorcycle as you ride by at the May "rally" this year so they can pass out $50 noise tickets as fast as they can go.
Posted by: Tom | March 30, 2009 3:35 PM