[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6643205,"mediaKeyId","2532560-bc4b9dec77a4209f6063a1d3dad47ba2","parentId",2532560,"title","Residents and a longtime local critic say UDO outreach missed much of Easley’s audience","audioSeconds",1377,"startMs",477000,"endMs",1854000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532560-bc4b9dec77a4209f6063a1d3dad47ba2&start=477&end=1854","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532560-bc4b9dec77a4209f6063a1d3dad47ba2/thumbnail_477000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6643205/South-Carolina/Residents-and-a-longtime-local-critic-say-UDO-outreach-missed-much-of-Easleys-audience","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6643205-cb91e998f5725ba78c7b7c80be37fc3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182588&Signature=LdZvpfSffYyXRr50hgU95kgd-yxcfq~uG1qwkdVr0UkoljnT0O7O-h3b9Ps6MIVjBZK7XG60eO3uFxkJVQNX96eQRiTFfIU~hK05aMkYqABYdWiJJwl3K7EAHrw2vLnLvHxhLw2wSm0WKD3oTTu3~O8k3Xv2-1GXxpyh6DDHLINncbGJN-AaoycF1R34XzmXnG0Fa-D5qoA3utZ2j3ufn4qcJfIaXZ5fFJEOYTHHfKprM22g2gAAIsHM3c5HjgyJ5uFs4jtG2vnxotTyoRcGpEmx7hxEdOK2WK7O8KxFrkXUFOFPZ~IFqlwRhMwYDeMfRcXMrHFIxfx-0eegBYibbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Easley","date","2025-03-11T00:10:48.693Z","article","Several speakers raised concerns that the city did not adequately reach residents about meetings to review the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and related hearings.

Councilman Alexander reported attending a UDO presentation and said the draft still needs work, particularly on residency requirements for planning and review boards. Public commenter Chris Clark, a local media professional, criticized the city’s advertising strategy for UDO hearings and Planning Commission meetings, saying legal notices in a single small-circulation paper and an on-site sign did not reach most Easley residents. Clark urged broader use of paid display ads, social media, email lists and signage to increase public participation; he said attendance at a UDO public meeting was low, with only five concerned citizens present.

Council members noted the UDO and related appointments were under review; Administrator Couch said the city had sent a draft to the consultant and Pickens County GIS for redistricting work and expected a revised draft before the next council meeting. No formal changes to the UDO were made at the meeting.

Speakers and at least one council member asked staff to review outreach and public-notice practices before future hearings to increase resident participation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 3/10/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Speakers and a council member criticized public-notice and outreach efforts for the city’s Unified Development Ordinance process and upcoming Planning Commission meetings.","taxTitle","Easly City, Pickens, South Carolina","taxId",57021,"location","South Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6643210,"Residents urge Easley to allow backyard hens; cite neighboring cities' codes",543,1099000,1642000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532560-bc4b9dec77a4209f6063a1d3dad47ba2&start=1099&end=1642","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532560-bc4b9dec77a4209f6063a1d3dad47ba2/thumbnail_1099000.jpg","/articles/6643210/South-Carolina/Residents-urge-Easley-to-allow-backyard-hens-cite-neighboring-cities-codes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6643210-7a1925dd7b34ab677d322d3de44894ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182588&Signature=IyyH0f~R9gK02A3DFoYiUUtYnunNqex~Zc1WSBxuf9-pQnG0~RiKA~e60HIu-dP3XEeaz07HNvnX-E~zAIzNoCml7euQb1xZBZOrGdbqtbJuX6PnmORwVDMApDcEMWJAYnNhJUK38IkQ6cUVgvGTFTMsxEtynKHQHnUIHtDl9bUyjAxWL7DsVyLqIGfHMQd3JGCqjIbPLtLbVs87zPMVB7a9bsO215wcjZMyl98URnDsPh02u97uSV3KBoLUvG7ZALYuJFbcVMUMrRCLe1Ma652jEJO39eU7TUUwDWz6qY9dIQlGwyXNu6uq6sj6ej6YqhfHttSv2P5N1sGxsGBJ0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the public-comment period to ask the council to reconsider Easley City Code Chapter 90.35, which classifies chickens as farm animals and prohibits backyard hens inside city limits.

Speaker Rebecca Salentamo, who described herself as a Chinese immigrant and Easley resident, told the council she and other residents assumed backyard hens would be permitted given Easley’s rural character and the practice in neighboring jurisdictions. She cited surrounding municipalities that allow hens with varying limits and conditions, naming Greer, Simpsonville, Anderson, Clemson and others as permitting backyard hens with different flock-size or fencing rules.

Salentamo asked the council to “reconsider the current ordinance” and suggested that regulations could include flock-size limits, enclosure and noise or nuisance rules that balance urban living with residents’ interest in keeping hens. Another public speaker, John Wallace, voiced support for permitting backyard chickens and said his daughter kept hens in Chicago.

The council did not take action on the request at the meeting. No staff report or draft ordinance to change Chapter 90.35 was presented during the public-comment period; councilmembers invited commenters to continue engagement through the normal legislative process.","Multiple residents asked the council to reconsider Chapter 90.35 of the Easley code that classifies chickens as farm animals and prohibits backyard hens inside city limits.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6643214,"Residents and council press for more police and fire staffing as Easley grows",1083,606000,1689000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532560-bc4b9dec77a4209f6063a1d3dad47ba2&start=606&end=1689","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532560-bc4b9dec77a4209f6063a1d3dad47ba2/thumbnail_606000.jpg","/articles/6643214/South-Carolina/Residents-and-council-press-for-more-police-and-fire-staffing-as-Easley-grows","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6643214-b2590ed9b71b04a86212a9519a104bfe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182588&Signature=G2neeGp~S1cvC~0rjqYCR8FbFAP61WLAb-OL4IikQdKCybh~hncDbMvYf-F3noV5sab1O25U5CrKxVM65OvgcyCl3iNaktD~Wg9xTr5tK0-ybSV2pkoZTEUDdxtYGMtUtIootzhUcDQGGoxPRaBa5gm9DL3u-XBExlCeI9HhdVGa02fwsWLLQ4h08m1n1kwE9oZn10kS8QcJVehOAbyCwqa-v3IAHJzI2gbnKyuTbMe0TnQxaz2cNJbpr5W-5nJ-TSXMC00yz15KQEcnURxYI53bv-saLdawmcxF77aFnRC5rvJxSOlXLMq1M1o2jVfmcCgy6q0UALLxgAKKMPgurg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Easley council members and multiple public speakers said the city needs more police and fire personnel to keep pace with population growth and rising traffic concerns.

Mayor Talbert and several council members discussed daily reports of speeding, growing cut-through traffic and an expanding development pipeline. The mayor said Easley’s population is near 28,000 and that the city typically has about five patrol units on duty at a time to cover all law enforcement responsibilities. Council members and speakers said more patrols or a dedicated traffic unit should be considered as the city grows.

During public comment, resident John Wallace said Easley historically has had fewer officers and firefighters than the national average and that pay scales are lower than neighboring jurisdictions; he suggested the council examine revenue options, citing a millage increase or sales tax as two ways to raise funds. Another speaker, Bob Easter, and other residents expressed support for additional first-responder staffing and urged the council to avoid overworking existing personnel.

Councilwoman Davidson reported the city court had nearly doubled the number of cases disposed and noted an increase in fines and traffic citations; she linked higher citations and collisions to broader concerns about personal responsibility and traffic enforcement.

Mayor Talbert and Administrator Couch also thanked Pickens County and local departments for recognizing Easley firefighters; Easley identified eight firefighters (Lieutenant Brandon Bradley; Firefighter Dalton Sargent; Sergeant Jacob Richardson; Firefighter Jonathan Davis; Captain Shannon Dells; Firefighter Daniel Hadden; Firefighter Thomas Lucas; volunteer Patrick Dales) who assisted on life-saving calls last year and were recognized by county officials.

No formal budget amendment or funding decision was taken at the meeting. Council members encouraged residents to submit input during the city’s ongoing budget season.","City leaders and public speakers urged council to increase staffing and budget for police and fire services, citing population growth, new housing and traffic concerns.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6643219,"Easley council approves code cleanup, rezoning and accepts new subdivision roads",252,1955000,2207000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532560-bc4b9dec77a4209f6063a1d3dad47ba2&start=1955&end=2207","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532560-bc4b9dec77a4209f6063a1d3dad47ba2/thumbnail_1955000.jpg","/articles/6643219/South-Carolina/Easley-council-approves-code-cleanup-rezoning-and-accepts-new-subdivision-roads","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6643219-a0ee2db3e2fbd79edd7b0ad9a09d4834/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182588&Signature=lNmF4zerKLBD7xIe5RXV6QeBCnUd6QgDahJcrwa28gtYyFqvyfkNqbbiXvKMxjYUHkmQEJY6DYO9ayni9OBFvho58CPKp3h1T9nwZd3DrddO~q76Wb56KmEw7tNa5IljCjIGA2BFp4RyQtMXU-9E5q03XaKAzfJXdKlkDAY1aGipahSHri8tzX6b0443caQ0fLcUacDm-aIHzipAQtuE3zXM9yjHoHj0NQU~2~oZHlM1KW9ZM0eFjTf2g0gKd3VX7WSHCJi9N5bfBIw12dFVFX7E1ztE~ktnK4G1vVDi5czI-SrqwHG~AHGhYA0zI-0tKBScf~RWm-2w-IJhDVULHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Easley City Council approved three agenda items at its March meeting: a second-reading ordinance to amend a city code section, a rezoning of 0.815 acres at 738 East Main from residential to neighborhood commercial, and a resolution accepting roads from Deacon Development LLC into the city road network.

The ordinance amendment (Ordinance 2025-01) was presented as a cleanup of an existing regulation in Chapter 99, Section 99.01 of Title 9 of the Easley City Code. Council took a single motion for second reading; the mayor called the vote and, after no members opposed, the measure carried on the second reading.

Council then considered Ordinance 2025-02, a map amendment to rezone about 0.815 acres located at 738 East Main at the intersection with South D Street from residential to neighborhood commercial (NC). Council said the item had been discussed at a prior work session; after a motion and second the council voted 6 in favor and 1 opposed to approve the rezoning on first reading.

Finally, the council approved Resolution 2025-05 to accept certain streets constructed by Deacon Development LLC into the City of Easley public road network. The resolution carried after a motion, with no opposed votes recorded.

Votes at a glance
- Ordinance 2025-01 (amend Sec. 99.01, Chap. 99, Title 9) — Motion: second reading to approve; Outcome: approved on second reading; Vote: no recorded opposition (chair calls carried).
- Ordinance 2025-02 (rezoning ~0.815 acres at 738 East Main to Neighborhood Commercial) — Motion: first reading and approval; Outcome: approved; Vote tally: 6 yes, 1 no.
- Resolution 2025-05 (accept roads from Deacon Development LLC into city road network) — Motion: approve; Outcome: approved; Vote: no recorded opposition.

The council adjourned immediately after the final item. The meeting record does not show amendments to the rezoning motion or specific conditions attached to acceptance of the roads.","At its March meeting the Easley City Council approved a code amendment by second reading, rezoned 0.815 acres on East Main, and accepted roads from a developer into the city network.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents and a longtime local critic say UDO outreach missed much of Easley’s audience

Residents urge Easley to allow backyard hens; cite neighboring cities' codes

Residents and council press for more police and fire staffing as Easley grows

Easley council approves code cleanup, rezoning and accepts new subdivision roads