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

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.