ATTENTION: LAST POST ON THIS WEBSITE. AVAILABLE THRU AUG 12, 2026. Will be using Facebook to post the Ward 3 report. Click the link to the new page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591950237576.
And now for the Council Meeting held 7/13/2026
Voted Yes: Ordinance 2026-17 (Second Reading) – Authorized a franchise agreement with Wire 3, LLC, allowing the company to install telecommunications network infrastructure within the City of Easley.
Voted Yes: Ordinance 2026-19 (First Reading) – Added Chapter 123 to the Easley City Code establishing regulations for solicitors, canvassers, and peddlers. The ordinance requires individuals conducting door-to-door business to obtain a City business license, pass a background check, receive a permit, and display a City-issued identification badge. Exemptions include nonprofit organizations, youth and student groups, and political candidates. My hope is that this ordinance will help deter individuals who disregard "No Solicitation" signs.
Voted Yes: Ordinance 2026-20 (First Reading) – Approved the first reading to annex property and rezone it to Office/Institutional (OI) for a proposed charter school serving students from four-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade. The school plans to provide a classical education to students accepted into its program.
Voted Yes: Ordinance 2026-21 (First Reading) – Amended Chapter 121 regarding Mobile Food Vendors. This ordinance adds stronger regulations for food trucks and trailers that were not fully addressed in the Unified Development Ordinance.
Voted Yes: Ordinances 2026-22, 2026-23, and 2026-24 (First Reading) – Approved the first reading to annex and rezone properties associated with the proposed Target development.
Voted Yes: Ordinance 2026-25 (First Reading) – Approved the first reading authorizing the execution and delivery of an incentive agreement related to the proposed Target development.
My Thoughts on the Target Development
The discussion on Facebook regarding the incentive agreement has been nearly unanimous. Many people have expressed concern that Target, a billion-dollar company, is requesting the City contribute up to $2 million toward the construction of a roadway. It is important to note that this roadway will become a public City street and will remain City-owned.
Opinions about the Target development itself have been much more divided. Of the residents in my ward who have contacted me, only a few have opposed the project, and their primary concern has been increased traffic along Highway 123.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has required several roadway improvements as part of the project, including:
- Double left-turn lanes.
- An extended 650-foot stacking lane.
- Reconstruction of the roadway between QuikTrip (QT) and Freddy's with a median barrier to eliminate cross traffic and prohibit left turns.
After considering the project, I believe the City could benefit from the long-term tax revenue and economic activity that Target is expected to generate.
As I have shared previously, approximately 70% of the City's General Fund budget is dedicated to salaries and benefits, leaving only about 30% for all other operating expenses. There is currently very little available funding for major road improvements. Aside from the proceeds from the sale of West End Hall, the City has no resources available for infrastructure projects other than the $400,000 allocated peanut round-a-bout near Canaan Land, and the approximately $900,000 received from the sale of West End Hall and that will not go very far toward addressing our roadway needs.
The second and final vote on the incentive agreement is scheduled for the August City Council meeting.
I welcome your thoughts on this proposed development. Please feel free to contact me by email at drainey@cityofeasley.com, by text message, or by phone at 864-359-7051. I appreciate hearing from residents before casting my final vote.