Easley, South Carolina Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
City Council Work Session 07/13/2026
Published: Jul 13, 2026
Easley to Consider Annexation and Zoning for New Charter School
The council reviewed an ordinance to annex approximately 13.16 acres of property owned by Latham Road LLC. The property is proposed to be zoned Office Institutional (OI) and designated with a commercial future land use. Steve Hubert, representing Tutelage Schools (Libertas Academies), presented plans for a K-8 classical charter school to accommodate approximately 1,000 students and 55 staff. The school building would be approximately 55,000 sq ft with an additional 12,000 sq ft gymnasium. Construction is planned to break ground in September with delivery by the following July. The school will be funded by municipal bonds, with funds following the child. The zoning designation allows for potential commercial or institutional uses if the school project does not proceed. Infrastructure upgrades, including sewer and water line extensions, are part of the development.
Easley Considers New Ordinance for Solicitors and Canvassers
The council considered an ordinance to amend business regulations to add chapter 123 concerning solicitors and canvassers. Discussion focused on the scope of the ordinance, including whether it applied to non-profits and churches, potential city expenses for permits and background checks, and enforcement. It was clarified that non-profit organizations sponsoring community-oriented events would be granted a permit at no cost, though they would still require one. Concerns were raised about enforcement and public education, with parallels drawn to past issues with yard sale permits. The ordinance aims to regulate door-to-door sales and services, with specific exemptions for non-profits.
Easley Reviews Financial Projections for Target Development Incentives
The council discussed the financial implications of the proposed Target development, focusing on the return on investment for the city's potential $2 million incentive. Initial fees are estimated at $364,000, with projected annual revenue of $193,000 from business licenses, sales tax, and property tax. It's estimated the city could recoup its investment in 9-10 years. Concerns were raised about the city's current budget deficit, the need for increased funding for public services like fire and police due to new developments, and the long-term viability of retail stores. The developer's incentive agreement includes clauses regarding the handling of commercially valuable plans under the Freedom of Information Act, requiring advanced notice to the developer before disclosure and cooperation with the developer in judicial processes to prevent disclosure. The developer will reimburse the city for expenses incurred in such processes.
Easley Council Debates Target Development, Annexation, and Eminent Domain
The council discussed annexing and rezoning four parcels of land totaling approximately 37.19 acres. Ordinance 2026-22 involves annexing 12.014 acres owned by Freeman Real Estate LLC, proposing general commercial zoning and an adaptive commercial future land use. Ordinances 2026-23, 2026-24, and 2026-25 also concern annexation and rezoning for commercial development. Woody Axelson of Amount Development presented plans for a Target store, which would pause a previously approved 108-townhome project on two of their sites. Target is contracted to purchase three adjacent sites to the west. The development requires modifications to the existing entryway off Highway 123, which involves addressing an easement issue with the adjacent Starbucks property owner. The city is considering exercising eminent domain to allow for necessary safety modifications to the entryway, although no property would be taken. The project is expected to create over 100 jobs and provide significant tax benefits.
Easley Amends Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance to Address Parking Lot Operations
The council considered an ordinance to amend chapter 121 of the Easley code of ordinances regarding mobile food vendors. This amendment aims to address an influx of food trucks into the community, particularly those setting up in parking lots. Key changes include broadening the scope to 'mobile food and beverage vendors,' requiring an approved zoning permit with a site plan submission for the city business license, and limiting one food truck per parcel. Vendors will be required to use on-board generators, and their hours of operation will be restricted to the hours of the principal use on the site, not past 10:00 p.m. The ordinance also introduces requirements for hood tests and fire extinguishers, and addresses illicit discharges, such as grease into storm drains. Enforcement and managing the impact on brick-and-mortar restaurants were primary concerns.
Get Weekly Development News of Easley
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Easley News archive
easley planning commission 07/20/2026
City Council Regular Monthly Meeting 07/13/2026
Planning Commission 06/15/2026
SDPC Board of Trustees - Called Board Meeting - 6/9/26
City Council Work Session 06/08/2026
City Council Regular Meeting 06/08/2026
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easley ,South Carolina Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Easley, South Carolina | From $25/year