HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Horry County Council approved the Asha Vista Behavioral Institute’s plan to open a new psychiatric hospital along Highway 707, despite initial denial by the zoning board of appeals and community opposition.
The council voted eight to four in favor of the project, which will convert a closed assisted living facility into a mental health center.
The decision followed a contentious meeting where residents expressed safety concerns about the location being less than the required 2,000 feet under county regulations.
Tyler Dayhuff, attorney for Asha Vista, argued that denying the request would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The regulations in case law are clear zoning rules and decisions that impose more restrictions on mental health care facilities than on other types of health care facilities violates the ADA,” Dayhuff said.
The developer threatened a lawsuit, prompting the council to approve a settlement agreement.
Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner highlighted the countywide implications, stating, “The lawsuit, the county lawsuit for the money that will be expended is taxpayer money that comes from the entire county.”
Despite the approval, some council members and residents remain opposed. Tyler Servant, a council member representing the area, voted against the settlement, expressing disappointment that the council’s decision went against the wishes of many residents.
RELATED: Residents outraged over proposed mental health facility in Horry Co.
“There’s no question that we need these health facilities in Horry County. It’s a pressing issue, but it’s like all development has to be done in the right way, at the right place, at the right time,” Servant said. Residents like Oak Arbor HOA President Debbie Benenati expressed concerns about the location, saying, “I don’t think it’s a good spot. If it was a school, would you fight like this?”
Asha Vista plans to start the project in early March and aims to open by next year, providing 78 beds and creating approximately 165 jobs.
The company’s CEO, Kelsey Dixon, provided the following statement to ABC15 on Tuesday night.
“We are grateful to Horry County Council and the community for taking the time to listen, ask questions, and consider the full facts surrounding this proposal. This decision recognizes a simple truth: our community is facing a real and growing mental health care shortage, and families deserve access to safe, hospital-based care close to home.We remain committed to being a responsible healthcare neighbor. We look forward to continued dialogue with the community, transparency in our operations, and working alongside local leaders, first responders, and healthcare providers to strengthen the safety and well-being of the region.This vote is an important step toward ensuring that when someone is in crisis, help is available nearby.”