Editor, The Smithfield Times:

It was so wonderful to see so many concerned citizens at the Town Council meeting on Oct. 2 to voice their strong concerns and opposition to The Smithfield Times’ displacement from the historic site it has occupied for over a century. The room was full and they had to open up the room to add more chairs.

Fifteen citizens spoke, many eloquently stating the importance of Smithfield’s history and The Smithfield Times’ cultural significance to our Historic District and town. Other citizens expressed concern with the fiscal irresponsibility of accepting a bid $135,000 under the property’s appraised 535,000 value, and $25,000 less than the town bought it for in 2000. Times owner and Publisher Steve Stewart had offered the town appraised value in February 2023, and confirmed it in February 2024. We understand a family emergency caused him to be late for the last bid solicitation. We all have had family emergencies, and this should have been considered.

We believe with all of this information coming to light, our elected officials on the Town Council will listen to taxpayers and constituents and will award The Smithfield Times building to the rightful owner, the Times and Mr. Stewart.

Our hope and prayer is that The Smithfield Times will continue there as our small-town newspaper, on Main Street, in the Historic District, which we are so proud to have, and will be settled there for another 100-plus years!

 

Ross and Robbie Younger

Smithfield