Feb. 19--NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.--Construction could start as early as March 1 on a large resort that received final approval Monday night from North Myrtle Beach City Council. 

The council approved a zoning change that allows the 544-unit Fairfield Ocean Drive Resort to go up as a planned-unit development between Fourth and Fifth avenues South. 

The resort had been rejected twice by the city's Planning Commission and protested by residents from all over the city. 

Such large-scale resorts, which include several pools, shops and restaurants, are becoming a trend in Grand Strand development, bringing new money to cities at the price of unwanted change for some residents. 

The measure passed 5-2, with Councilmen Hal Hoff and Johnny Causey voting no. 

Hoff said he fears the 165-foot-tall resort will be a slippery slope to a beachfront "condo canyon." 

"I still feel the density and height are excessive," he said. "We are going to face ... a series of developers asking for the same extreme heights." 

In many resort cities, including Myrtle Beach, big developments are the norm. But in North Myrtle Beach, it's making some residents nervous. 

Another large resort, The Vistas on the Ocean, has been proposed between Third and Fourth avenues North. The Planning Commission tabled the proposal at its Feb. 11 meeting. 

In relation to more heavily developed Myrtle Beach, developers say North Myrtle Beach presents a unique opportunity. 

"If you go out on the Boulevard [in Myrtle Beach] you look for something you can buy and tear down," said Claude Epps, who represents several developers. "In North Myrtle Beach you're able to find properties that are either not developed or have properties adjacent to them." 

North Myrtle Beach planning officials say the city has 1,400 acres of undeveloped or underdeveloped land. 

To developers, that's a gold mine. But to many residents, that's their quiet, largely untouched beach retreat. 

"These changes affect quality of life," Windy Hill resident Mike Todd said. 

Construction on the Fairfield's towers and parking facilities is expected to take 4 1/2 years. 

Fairfield Resorts estimates about 2,400 visitors and new residents will fill the hotel rooms and time share, with each time-share party spending about $145 a day. The company estimates the resort could generate more than $1.6 million in property taxes annually. 

As part of the development, the developer also agreed to give $300,000 to the city's parks and recreation fund. 

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(c) 2002, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.