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 sixth week, we asked, “How big of a priority should the town make completing its 1-mile share of the Park-to-Park bicycle and pedestrian trail proposed to extend from Nike Park to Windsor Castle Park?“

• Fifth week, Sept. 4: 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

Although the Park-to-Park bicycle and pedestrian trail is a very nice addition to Smithfield, I don’t think it is a top priority since there is not a lot of citizen support to extend it to Windsor Castle Park at this time. If this project ever came before the Town Council, I would be willing to listen to both supporters and critics before making any definitive decision.

This issue was briefly discussed at a recent Town Council committee meeting as it relates to road work on South Church St., we’ll see how this develops. I am concerned though about the cost and the use of extensive taxpayer money to fund the trail, especially since the initial phase had a lot of cost overruns.

Smithfield alone would not have the funds or expertise to complete this portion of the trail so other avenues of funding need to be pursued; this could include Smart Scale (state transportation funds), grants for pedestrian improvements and even private grant money.

If the project would benefit the community and property owners along the route, I think we should consider all options. I am committed to be a good steward of the taxpayer’s money, whether it’s local tax dollars, state or federal.

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Jim Collins

I believe the Park-to-Park trail should be set as a high priority to complete. Our current Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map shows the South Church Street corridor to be developed into a commercial mixed-use area. This project, known as the South Church Street Widening and Shared-Use Improvements, will not only improve safety for vehicular traffic, but it will also provide a safe traveling path for pedestrians. Such shared-use paths are an added value to a community by encouraging citizens to enjoy walking and riding around town.

Furthermore, if this project is completed, it could entice business owners to help develop that area into its intended use. However, I do understand the project has an excessive cost to complete and I would be reluctant to discuss any tax increase to construct this project. I agree with the current grant requests that are being pursued by the Town Manager’s office are terrific opportunities to find ways to fund this community enriching project.

Need to clarify something. I submitted a correction to my response printed in the September 4 edition where I used the term “As transparency is the buzzword of the day.” I corrected that before the submission deadline to “As transparency is important”, but it was not printed. So, allow me to clearly say that I interpreted my initial verbiage as being flippant and that was not my intent. I corrected it to the true intent and to clearly support the importance of transparency.

 

 

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Darren Cutler

It would be wonderful to complete this project if done in an affordable manner to benefit all citizens, as well as home and business owners along South Church Street.   As I speak to citizens about the trail there seems to be misinformation related to the Park-to-Park trail and how the last segment of the project, the .9-mile segment within the Town, has been stagnant.   

The last proposed submission from the Town for this project included widening South Church Street and a continuous third turn lane which exponentially increased cost and design concerns.  As the Times reported, VDOT ranked this submission at 258th of 394 applications statewide.   

The County has been remarkably successful at initiating and managing multiple projects with VDOT, securing grants and/or SmartScale funding for all, or a significant majority of, the cost.  The most recent projects include the Smithfield Sidewalk Project, Rt 10 and 258 Main St intersection and the Nike Road Extension.   

This section of South Church Street is a significant entrance corridor into the Town and would benefit from funding that would allow for beautification and streetscaping.  I would support talking to planning professionals and resources at the County that have demonstrated success with SmartScale projects to investigate narrower design options for this section of the trail and innovative modifications to allow safe crossing of the bridge.  These enhancements and beautifications could then be incorporated into the design to allow for financing of the trail and enhancement of the town through SmartScale funds or grants. 

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Raynard Gibbs

To determine the priority level for completing the town’s 1-mile segment of the park-to-park bicycle and pedestrian trail, several factors should be considered:

1. Strategic Vision and Priorities: Evaluate how the trail aligns with the town’s strategic goals, such as enhancing recreational infrastructure, improving transportation options, or promoting healthy lifestyles. If the trail supports these objectives, it should be a high priority.
2. Inclusive and Transparent Processes: Ensure the budgeting process involves community input and is transparent. If there is strong public support for the trail and broad community engagement, prioritizing the project would reflect effective and inclusive governance.
3. Operational Efficiency: Assess the trail’s cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits compared to other projects. If the trail offers significant returns in community health, transportation, and economic impacts, it should be prioritized based on its value.
4. Communication and Trust: Clearly and frequently communicate the trail’s importance and how it fits into the town’s budget and strategic plan. Effective communication builds trust and reinforces the town’s commitment to transparency and community engagement.

In conclusion, if the trail aligns with strategic goals, has strong community support, provides a high return on investment, and is communicated effectively, it should be prioritized. This approach balances operational efficiency with the need for transparency and community involvement, reflecting best practices in budgeting and governance.

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William Harris

There are many factors at play that make it difficult to provide a definitive answer to a seemingly easy question.

Even the most ardent supporters of the bike path acknowledge that in the big picture, the path is more a “want” than a “need”. During difficult economic times like these, it’s hard to justify spending taxpayer money on such a project. Arguing that completion should be a top priority now is made more difficult by the fact that the path has cost millions more than originally projected. The path and its costs are a sore spot for many Smithfielders who have believed since day one that the project was unnecessary and too expensive. Spending money now on the path before addressing other issues would not be well received.

That said, the path is nearly complete and should be completed eventually. The completed path will contribute to the walkability of Smithfield by making it easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians to move about town. Also, there are potential financial benefits to the town if the path is completed within certain guidelines. When the path is completed, the town will be in position to request/receive much needed federal/state grant money for use on road improvement projects along South Church St. and other areas in town. Completion should happen, but addressing other town needs should be of higher priority.

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Michael G. Smith

This project and the associated discussion has been going on for over 25 years. The town currently has identified $250,000 for its share of the project. This amount is a drop in the bucket to the funding this portion (less than a mile) will require.

Citizens have spoken to me of their concerns that they don’t see enough use of the trail to warrant spending tax dollars on completing this section. While I share this concern, the original intent of the trail was to have the neighborhoods, from Nike Park through Red Point, connect with the historic district, restaurants and businesses.

The last town submission for project funding, through VDOT, included a continuous third turn lane, and came in with a price tag that was not feasible. In 2013, completing this portion of the trail had a price tag of a little over $1 million. The rising cost of construction will have the final cost, in today’s dollars, at a much higher price.

I support a Town Council review of what can be accomplished along this short section of South Church Street – identifying options that would enhance this entrance to the historic district, meet the needs of the properties along the route, and allow for safe pedestrian access between downtown and the households and businesses along the route that would be connected.

With adequate funding from federal and state transportation project funds, specifically designated for pedestrian projects, it would be of benefit to complete this portion of the trail.