Overturns A Decision By Zoning Administrator That Allowed Flights To Continue

The helicopter tour operator that has generated so much controversy in Myrtle Beach, SC, may finally be grounded after a vote last week by the Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals. The board voted last Monday to overturn the decision by a county zoning administrator that allowed the flights to continue.

The vote was 4-3, according to a report from television station WIST. Homeowners had been complaining about the noise from the flights since they began over Memorial Day weekend. The president of the Plantation Point homeowners association Rick Hinde said while he feels sorry for Helicopter Adventures owner Freddie Rick, who stands to lose a substantial investment if he's forced to close, "the county shouldn't have ever approved it."

While the company has not yet been ordered to shut down, the ruling means it is not considered a business that is appropriate for its current location. The homeowners, about 20 of whom contributed to hire an attorney to present their case, said they will continue to "fight" until the business is "gone."

Rick has 30 days from the ruling to file an appeal. He has not said if he intends to do so.

FMI: www.horrycounty.org/pzredirect.asp?link=home