The fight is getting ugly and stands to get much worse, that's the word from one local hotel owner about the debate concerning the May bike rallies.
The rallies were once again the topic of discussion Tuesday night at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce board meeting.
Horry county hotel owner Robert Kelley said the actions of the city of Myrtle Beach, when it comes to trying to end the bike rallies, are in conflict with the economic health and development of the Grand Strand.
Kelley took his message to chamber board members.
He said he wants them to know that as a member of the chamber, he is very concerned with the direction Myrtle Beach is going and wants the chamber to help him protect his livelihood.
Kelley said money from the bike rallies represents 13% of his business said losing that revenue could devalue his business by more than a million dollars.
Kelly tells chamber board members the city of Myrtle Beach is not listening to all the business owners who would be affected if they are successful in getting rid of the bike rallies.
"We continue talking to county council, we've written the governor's office, we just want people to at least look at the ramifications of their actions, do an economic impact study, that's all we're requesting." said Kelley.
Chamber board chairman Brant Branham said he doesn't think Kelley speaks for the majority of chamber members, and Kelley’s request for a study is not on the current horizon.
Branham said, "We've done our survey, I’m not saying we won't continue to look at things that, that's something that the board may decide to do, but right now we don't have those plans.”
Branham said the chamber's board and Myrtle Beach city officials have had dialogue about the proposed ordinances and how they will affect businesses. He said the chamber will continue to watch what happens and do what it needs to do to protect and promote the business industry.
Kelley said he is going to continue to try and have his voice heard by as many people as possible.
Kelley, whose hotels are not in Myrtle Beach, has addressed Myrtle Beach city council and Horry county council about the rallies.
But Kelley said what Myrtle Beach city officials are attempting to do will affect more people than just those who live in the city.
Myrtle Beach city council is scheduled to have the second reading of those proposed ordinances next Tuesday.
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