Eastport Golf Club development stopped

A ruling by a bankruptcy court judge has stopped a developer from turning at least part of a North Myrtle Beach golf course into condominiums.

Eastport Golf Club homeowners have been fighting the redevelopment for close to two years. Their lawyer said the ruling sets a precedent along the Grand Strand and should be a lesson to homeowners to check covenants and restrictions when faced with possible redevelopment.

“It’s an important decision as far as I’m concerned. The only other community that attempted to stop (redevelopment of a golf course) is Deertrack. All other golf courses have just closed in our area,” attorney Patrick O’Dea said.

Judge John E. Waites said residential redevelopment is not allowed by the homeowners’ deed restrictions, which say the property is for “golf course use only.”

The golf course is owned by Eastport Golf Club, Inc., which is owned by Charlotte, N.C., businessman Mel Graham. He is disappointed with the ruling.

Now that he can’t redevelop, Graham said he will attempt to sell the course. “Unfortunately, we do not know of any potential buyers at this time,” he said.

An oversupply of golf courses has contributed to the closing of 16 other Strand courses for planned redevelopment since January 2005. Three courses at Bay Tree Plantation have closed within a few miles of Eastport, and at least two others intend to close nearby.

Source: Associated Press, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, SC