Editor, The Smithfield Times:

I was actively engaged in opposing the approval of the Mallory Scott project in 2021. The project sailed through the approval process despite strong, fact-based opposition from the community.  

Our Planning Commission and Planning Department relied on data and analysis provided by the developer with no independent review. Our team just doesn’t have the experience or skill set to evaluate the impact of a project of this magnitude. 

The developer needed a Land Use Map Amendment, four waivers and several special use permits. At that time, Town Council meetings were not livestreamed, which is unfortunate. After the public hearing, with over 40 speakers speaking in opposition, the council approved the project, LUMA, all the waivers and SUPs with literally no discussion. It was unbelievable how dismissive our “representatives” were. It was as if no one had even spoken.  

The marketing sign recently went up at the Mallory Scott development. It states “starting in the $500’s.” The cheapest single-family home is priced at $579,990. The Fiscal Impact Analysis from April 7, 2020, stated “average prices for the residential units to be developed on the site are expected to be about $307,000 ranging from $200,000 – $450,000.” There was an updated FIA submitted March 8, 2021, reducing the number of units, but it indicated that “Model types, unit sizes, pricing, household size etc all remain the same as the April 7, 2020 study.”

The actual pricing for single-family homes is almost double what was initially offered. I contacted the marketing team for Napolitano/Eastwood Homes to see the price point for the duplex units and townhouses. They were unable to provide information. I know that Councilwoman Valerie Butler specifically cited “affordable housing” as a reason for her approval of this development.   Based on the current pricing, nothing about this project is even close to “affordable housing.”

How are we going to hold this developer accountable? Is a Fiscal Impact Analysis just a work of fiction with no basis in reality? I realize that there have been changes in the housing market, but the project submitted and what is going up have NO RESEMBLANCE to each other.  

Please hold this developer accountable. In December, the Town Council allowed him to reduce his proffered two-lane roundabout at Nike Park and Battery Park to one lane. Please don’t continue offering accommodations at the expense of our town. Smithfield deserves better.  

 

Renee Bevan

Smithfield