Dear Editor,

Easley’s failure to plan, is a plan to fail.

Recent Easley City Council meetings have been packed with citizens like me, who have voiced concerns about the growth, numerous annexations, approval of multi-level, dense housing projects. Topics have been traffic, congestion, road conditions, storm water drain off, green open spaces, sidewalks and so on. Despite having emailed, called, attending planning and city council meetings, developments have been approved. This pattern of unchecked growth has raised the question: Does our city have a plan?

SC Code of Laws requires each city to have a Comprehensive Plan and to update it at least every 10 years. Easley, as it turns out, does have a plan, originally developed in 1998 with input from city planning agencies and citizens. However, I was dismayed to learn that the last time Easley’s plan was revised was in 2003 — a full 18 years ago.

For example, listed in the “Statement of Needs and Goals,” on page 12 of the plan, Issue #1… “The growth of the local population and economy have left some people feeling that Easley is losing its ‘small town’ atmosphere which it is so proud of. Steps should be taken to maintain this ‘small town’ atmosphere while allowing for continued growth and development.”

There are approximately 25 residential developments underway in the City of Easley, with a population impact of over 6,000 people. It appears as if over 30% of the developments are in Ward 2, resulting in a potential population increase of more than 1,000 people. In a recent article, a county administrator commented about the dangers of unchecked growth. He said, “some of the negatives can include a lack of infrastructure to support a rapid increase in population and sustainability of services after initial, one-time revenues have been spent.”

Perhaps the reason why our city council hasn’t been following the plan is because they haven’t read it. Citizens were recently told by two sitting council members, they did not know about the Comprehensive Plan, despite the fact that four people currently active with the city were active the last time it was updated.

As the old adage goes, “A failure to plan, is a plan to fail.” Easley deserves leadership that listens and plans ahead.

I am running for Easley City Council, Ward 2, to be a voice for citizens, work on a plan and be responsible to neighbors who have invested in their homes and to ensure that Easley has an up-to-date plan for the future.

Denise Davidson

Easley, SC