The Smithfield Times will be taking a different approach to Smithfield Town Council candidate questionnaires this year. Rather than sending a list of questions and publishing all questions and responses in the same print edition and online, the Times will send the candidates a single question once per week.

There will be 12 questions in total, with two weeks and up to 250 words to respond to each, through Oct. 23. For the fifth week, we asked, “What criteria will you use when deciding whether to approve future residential development?”

• Fourth week, Aug. 28: What, if anything, can the Town Council do to be more transparent with citizens?
• Third week, Aug. 21: Should Smithfield move its farmers market to the Grange at 10Main? Why or why not?
• Second week, Aug. 14: What is one challenge or opportunity for the town that has not received enough attention? Why is it important?
• First week, Aug. 7: What will be your top priority if elected?

 

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Mary Ellen Bebermeyer

The criteria that I will use when deciding to approve future residential development are a series of questions that relate to traffic/infrastructure, schools, density, affordability, number of waivers and special use permits and the Comprehensive Plan.

Traffic: What kind of traffic study was done and how much traffic will be generated? Which roads and intersections will be most affected? Which neighborhoods will be affected by the increased traffic? Are the current, and surrounding roads and intersections able to handle the increased traffic? What kind of infrastructure is needed?

Schools: How will the future development affect the school population? Which schools will be most affected? How many school buses will be needed to serve students from that development?

Density: What kind of homes will be built? How many single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments? How big are the yards? What kind of landscaping will be done? Is there adequate green space? Not only for aesthetics but also water retention and runoff? Is there space for recreation, parks, sidewalks etc.?

Affordability:  What is the intended price point of homes being built? Are there a variety of price points? Who is the target market?  

Waivers and special use permits:  How many and what kind of waivers and Special Use permits are being requested, and why are they needed?

Does it fit into the comprehensive plan and overall goals for the town?

And finally: How will it impact the town, and will it make Smithfield a better place to live and work?

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Jim Collins

I believe the answer to this question is fairly straight forward.  All my decisions will be based on what is best for and what maintains and builds upon the character of the entire Town of Smithfield.  Each project needs to be evaluated how it will impact the town independently as well as collectively with all other projects.  I believe having a predetermined criteria for any residential or commercial project with a blanket philosophy of saying no to waivers and no to any development is irresponsible and is a disservice to the citizens.  Each project should be reviewed, examined and decided upon on its own merits to maintain our small-town character.

 

 

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Darren Cutler

MY STARTING POINT: “Are you compliant with the Comprehensive Plan?”  If not, why grant an exception to rules written to maintain the character and charm of Smithfield.  Land rights are important, but I will not vote for an exception to increase density and developer profit.

WE CAN BE PICKY:  There are a dearth of developers that want to build here.  A wise builder recently said, “Tell developers what they must do, and they will do it.”  Smithfield is in the position of desirability – it is time for leadership to enhance the town through chosen growth, not rubberstamping.

PREVENT TAXPAYER BURDEN:  I will not public/private partner with developers to spend tax dollars beyond legal requirements.  If required by law, I will collaborate with Council members to negotiate for developers to absorb the cost rather than the backs of current taxpayers.

GROWTH MUST ENHANCE SMITHFIELD:  We know growth will continue in the area as commerce drives our ports to grow.  Every buildable acre in Smithfield does not have to be built out like surrounding cities!  Growth can occur around us while Council and citizens are selective on development inside town limits TO ENHANCE SMITHFIELD!

GROW OR RAISE TAXES IS A FALLACY:  Look no further than Suffolk, where tax rates have grown with the population.  Growth does not insulate residents from higher taxes.  Anyone who lived through the recent reassessment knows you must only own your home for your tax burden to grow.  Regional growth will continue to grow value in Smithfield.

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Raynard Gibbs

When evaluating future residential developments, I’m committed to a thorough and inclusive review process that reflects our community’s values and aspirations. This process involves not only the Planning and Zoning Commission, Town Council, and Board of Supervisors, but also a Citizen Task Force, ensuring a broad and balanced perspective.

Our evaluation will be guided by the following key principles:

1. Environmental Stewardship: We will prioritize developments that respect and enhance our town’s natural beauty, ensuring the sustainable management of our valuable natural resources.
2. Infrastructure Readiness: We will rigorously assess whether the necessary utilities, access roads, drainage systems, and other essential facilities are already in place or are planned to support the proposed development.
3. Community Impact: The development should promote the overall well-being of our town and its surrounding areas, while preserving the unique charm of town.
4. Alignment with the Comprehensive Plan: We will ensure that the development integrates sufficient open space areas that align with the goals of our Comprehensive Plan.
5. Traffic and Safety Considerations: Effective measures must be included to minimize traffic congestion, enhance public safety, and ensure smooth pedestrian and bike circulation. The design should facilitate a safe and convenient transportation network for everyone.

By adhering to these criteria, we ensure that future residential developments not only meet our highest standards of planning and sustainability but also enhance the quality of life for all residents. Together, we can build a future that reflects our shared values and supports the vibrant community we ALL cherish.

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William Harris

If elected, the criteria I will use to approve or deny future residential development are clear, specific, and intended to insure new development adds to our quality of life while doing no damage to existing neighborhoods. I will expect developers to present applications that are in complete compliance with existing zoning regulations. I will be focused particularly on an application’s number of units/density as well as compliance with green space zoning requirements. I will evaluate potential impact on quality of life, on public services and traffic, and on historic preservation. I believe special use permits should be granted only on the rarest of occasions and will hold developers responsible for presenting a cogent explanation as to why an SUP is necessary outside of a desire to increase profits. I will not look favorably on any application that requests taxpayer money to be used in support of the development. Instead, I would like to see developers present proffers that help offset costs associated with their proposed development simultaneously with their application.

Residential development within the town limits and nearby Isle of Wight is clearly underway and citizens’ concerns about how fast and how much are legitimate and must be addressed. (Over 1,400 new homes are already approved within town limits alone.) Good developers, and well planned, low-density developments, should be welcomed in Smithfield but town council must do a better job of controlling new development by making sure that the developers play by our rules, and not by theirs.

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Michael G. Smith

When deciding whether to approve future residential development, council should use a comprehensive set of criteria to endure the development is beneficial for the community. First, we should consider the alignment of the proposed development with the comprehensive plan. Second, we need to look at the potential impact on infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, water supply and schools. Developments should not strain existing infrastructure or should include plans for necessary upgrades. Environmental impacts must also be considered. I will also seek input from the community, ensuring residents have a voice in the decision-making process. The two most recently approved projects, Mallory Scott and Grange at 10Main both required several Special Use Permits, and both required a deviation from the Comprehensive Plan. I do not feel like we did our due diligence with respect to analyzing the reason for, and the impact of the Special Use Permits and the deviation from our Comprehensive plan. Our job is not to enhance developer’s profits. Our job is to ensure an approval that results in a balance approach that considers environmental, social and community factors in the decision. Both of these projects also had strong citizen opposition. I voted against both of these projects.