EASLEY — Will the new Saco Lowell shopping center finally arrive? What stores will be in the new shopping mall?

These were just some of the questions that Easley and Pickens County residents wondered even before the economy slowed and seemed to bring to a halt the future Saco Lowell shopping center.

Easley Town Center developer David Scarnati will be able to answer residents’ about some of the project’s future plans on Thursday, during a Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held at Rock Springs Baptist Church’s gym, located in Building A on Dayton School Road. The chamber luncheons are usually held at the Easley library, but Easley Chamber President said the luncheon is likely to have a much higher attendance than usual.

Scarnati is also the director of Ohio-based Cedarwood Development, the company in charge of the future shopping center’s building.

During a previous interview with The Easley Progress, Scarnati said the project hasn’t stopped completely, but has been slowed down due to the economic downturn. City officials and developers have confirmed that Wal-Mart will move to the location. No other shopping center has been confirmed yet, although officials said the shopping center would employ a total of about 900 people.

The project will receive about $6 million in federal stimulus funds for road improvements to U.S. 123 and Prince Perry Bridge.