EASLEY — The city of Easley is exploding with new construction. From sidewalks and multi-modal pedestrian greenways to shopping centers and commercial spaces, Easley’s growth has been and continues to be exponential.
Traveling on Highway 8 between Pickens and Easley, it is apparent that the plaza which once housed a Bi-Lo and currently houses The Miracle Hill Thrift Store is undergoing a complete make-over. The commercial spaces have a fresh, modern look welcoming people into Easley’s growing downtown area.
Miracle Hill’s Thrift Store, according to Easley City administrator Jonathan “Fox” Simons, will be joined by a new dollar store and vacant commercial spaces available for lease.
Construction across from the Town Center on Highway 123 is shaping into a Quick Trip gas station and convenience store, and the Town Center will be welcoming an Academy Sports, Pet Smart and a major restaurant chain whose name Simons said he is unable to disclose at this time.
“Right now the city of Easley has $30 million worth of commercial construction projects under way,” said Simons.
According to Simons, these numbers are not hypothetical.
“This $30 million is hard and tangible — actual brick and mortar,” he said.
Simons said the city of Easley is pleased with the continued growth because it signifies both present and future opportunities for economic development in the midst of a national economic climate with a less-than-stellar forecast.
“All of these construction projects create jobs,” said Simons. “Once the construction is completed and the stores and businesses open, other permanent jobs are being created in Easley.”
In addition to the commercial construction, there are also improvements taking place in residential areas that tie into Easley’s greenway project and vision for a more pedestrian-friendly community.
Brushy Creek Road, which comes off of Highway 123 at the Center Point Plaza, has been a bevy of construction activity since the fall when work began to “T-up” the intersection at Nancy and Pearson.
In addition to the traffic light and intersection, there are also new pedestrian-friendly sidewalks bordered by aesthetically pleasing brick walls topped with ornamental iron fencing.
Construction has recently started on Couch Lane. The goal of this project will also be to create a multi-modal, pedestrian friendly path that will connect to perpendicular sidewalks on both Crestview and McAlister Roads.
Once this segment of the Brushy Creek Greenway project is completed, Simons says that pedestrians will be able to walk from Couch Lane to downtown Easley on actual sidewalks.
“They might have to cross streets here and there, but there will be sidewalk the whole way,” he said.
Easley’s pedestrian-friendly community is coming together one stretch of road at a time. Economic development opportunities continue to grow throughout the city.
“We are extremely pleased,” Simons said of the growth.