EASLEY — Longhorn Steakhouse will soon be moving into Easley Town Center, after traffic changes were approved at Monday night’s meeting of Easley City Council.
The ordinance officially made the entrance to Longhorn’s property inside city limits.
“So Longhorn will have free access to their property,” mayor Larry Bagwell said.
In another move, the property at 113 Ellenburg Drive was rezoned from residential-10 to neighborhood commercial.
The property, which was the long-time home of former Easley mayor Charles Ellenburg, was damaged by a fire last year. The property had been purchased by Michael Hedrick, owner of Michael’s Pizza in Easley.
Council also approved the addition of “events, block parties, performances, filming and demonstrations” to the city’s ordinance on parades and picketing. City administrator Fox Simons said the city had made adjustments to the ordinance so that people would know that a permit is required “for special events.”
Cynthia Smoak of the American Cancer Society appeared before council to request permission to hold the 2013 Pig Pickin’ Festival in Easley.
Council member Libby Dodson asked if the festival would again permit the sale of alcohol downtown. Smoak said it would.
Bagwell noted that while alcohol sales were allowed for this year’s festival, there were no reported incidents involving alcohol sales.
Smoak said the event was a success, raising $7,000 for the Pickens County Cancer Association, although members of the Easley Police Department probably gained several pounds from visiting the festival’s vendors.
Council voted 4-2 to approve next year’s festival, with council members Libby Dodson and Thomas Wright — who had earlier voted against this year’s festival due to the alcohol sales — voting against the measure. Councilman Dave Watson was absent because of back problems, Bagwell said.
The batting cages at the J.B. “Red” Owens Recreation Complex should be ready in time for the start of the Big League World Series, city recreation director Gregg Powell told council. Council members said they were looking forward to the series and all the activities associated with it.