Editor, The Smithfield Times:   

Watching the video of the Smithfield Planning Commission’s July 9 meeting demonstrates a disturbing trend in our town officials’ sense of their role in governance.  

Commissioner Thomas Pope commented on the offense he initially felt after reading an article in The Smithfield Times.  He felt the newspaper misrepresented information regarding the need for infrastructure in support of development. He stated that the Times incited citizens and, based on his comments, he saw no evidence of deficiencies and wanted the town staff, across the departments, to provide a report back to the PC.  

Bill Riddick, town attorney, noted that the Capital Improvement Plan identifies infrastructure needs and he was not aware of any glaring deficiencies, noting the only thing “hanging out there” is the bike path. Vice Chair Bill Davidson then states that for many months he’s been bothered by “many things” he’s read in the ST that are blatantly untrue. He asks the town attorney what recourse the commission has.  

No one mentioned a specific article, and no one noted what was “blatantly untrue” – just blanket statements of how the paper is “inciting” citizens.  

The First Amendment protects the freedom of speech and, thankfully, specifically the press.   

The Times has informed citizens with thoughtful, proactive, fact-based information. What has incited citizens is the continued disregard for transparency in town governance.  

There are multiple concerns that have come to light based on that discussion.  

In the Planning Commission’s package for the Grange, there were multiple references (enclosures 2,4 and 7) identifying specific concerns about infrastructure – e.g., schools, general administration, parks and rec, police.  

At the Jan. 9 PC meeting, Lynn Briggs presented on school capacity. With development already approved, three of five schools are projected over 100% capacity and the other two over 90%; with approved and proposed development, four of five schools are projected over 100% capacity and Westside over 93%.

Regarding roads, Dr. Pope noted that VDOT is responsible. Town leaders have a history of blaming VDOT for any road issue. The county, in contrast, engages and works with VDOT for proactive and innovative solutions.  This has allowed for multiple grants for county-submitted projects.  

With the Planning Commission recommending, and Town Council approving, 1,493 more residential units in the town limits, we need a PC, staff and TC interested, informed and proactive about all aspects of town infrastructure.  

 

Leah Walker

Smithfield