Editor, The Smithfield Times:

In December many expressed a sigh of relief with the Isle of Wight Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny the Sweetgrass development.

Now, five months later, the Board of Supervisors gives its approval.

What changed? Our roads are still crowded and schools are still full. So why the yes vote for this development? Is it because Riverside approves? Or that a Benn’s Grant resident loves her Ryan home? Or that our beloved Ms Rountree changed her mind? 

Between the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, total votes were 8-5 against the project. Too many hows and whys are unanswered. One doesn’t need to be on a planning commission to see the problems that a development of that size in that area will cause. I’m thinking there are more than a few rotten weeds in the sweetgrass.

 

Frank Boyack

Smithfield