Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Smithfield residents should be noticing that the candidates supported by Citizens for Responsible Leadership are delivering on their “managed growth” campaign promises.  

Since newly elected Town Council members Mary Ellen Biedermeier, Darren Cutler, Bill Harris and incumbent Mike Smith have been seated, we have seen a reduction in three proposed developments and a decline in special use permit requests to allow density in excess of town zoning.

Under a previous council, the Grange at 10Main (corner of Main and Grace streets) was approved with 304 residential units and six special use permits. The application coming to the Planning Commission on June 10 proposes 115 residential units and only two special use permits.

Also approved by a previous council were 150 units and six special use permits for The Cottages at Battery (behind Royal Farms). This application was re-approved with a reduction in units to 105 and two special use permits.

The proposed Promontory (beside Tractor Supply) initially proposed 262 homes, three special use permits and a setback waiver.  The most recent iteration calls for 239 homes and three special use permits, and as the Planning Commission and Town Council continue to review, the project may see further changes.

The new council also declined to increase the density for “James Parc at Smithfield” (across from the YMCA) from the currently approved eight lots to the requested 10 lots, despite support from the Planning Commission.  

The CRL-supported candidates ran a campaign to manage growth. They are demonstrating their commitment to this promise and the citizens of Smithfield.

 

Donna Edwards

Smithfield