Editor, The Smithfield Times:

We, the residents of The Villas of Smithfield located on Battery Park Road, understand that growth is inevitable, but we believe responsible management of that growth is necessary to maintain the small-town feel of Smithfield. We are concerned that the new development known as “The Cottages at Battery” is a drastic departure from our existing residential communities and a threat to our small-town charm.

We are concerned about the developer’s request for numerous special use permits (SUPs) and a Planning Commission waiver that, if approved by the Planning Commission, would result in a very dense housing development unlike any other subdivision in the Town of Smithfield.

Some of the SUPs include:

• Building 10 units per acre versus the current ordinance of no more than 8 units per acre.
• Reducing the minimum distance between structures from the current ordinance of 24 feet to 17 feet.
• Reducing the depth of the front yard setback for these zero lot line homes from the current ordinance of 12 feet to 6 feet.
• Stipulating that all unit owners park their vehicles (up to three) end-to-end on their single car-width driveways as there is limited on-street parking.
• Minimizing visitor parking from the current ordinance of one space for every three units, or 43 spaces, versus the 11 visitor parking spaces proposed by the developer.

The current ordinances are, in part, established to maintain the small-town ambiance of Smithfield and promote responsible residential development. The question for us becomes: Why is the Planning Commission entertaining the SUPs requested for The Cottages at Battery, which will result in a high-density subdivision that will likely negatively impact our community and our town now and in the future?

 

Sue Mansfield

Lorie Newey

David Hundley

Elizabeth Jones

Smithfield