Smithfield residents expecting new walking trails

By Lisa Christensen

February 22, 2008 | SMITHFIELD -- A proposed 20-year plan to expand walking trails around Smithfield was approved at the Planning and Zoning meeting Wednesday night.

Some trails have already been started or completed. Only three more trails are set to be completed within the next seven years, said Smithfield City Councilwoman Kris Monson, who is also on the Smithfield Trails Committee.

Trails would be for walking or biking, and about 10 feet wide in most places. They would be natural or gravel-paved trails except in some developed areas, in which they would be paved.

Several concerns about the trails were discussed, including liability along an irrigation canal and some proposed trails falling outside current city limits.

John Engler, also of the Smithfield Trails Committee, said because the plan is so long-term, the trails proposed outside current city limits are to anticipate growth. Scott Datwyler, Trails Committee chairman, said the county has said it will take liability on all trails.

"Our goals are to not only provide a safe trail loop, but a place where people can navigate the city and get the exercise they need," Engler said.

Another concern raised at the meeting was the possible invasion of privacy when a trail went near a housing division. Datwyler said that, although the trails won't be fenced, homeowners can put a fence up on their land between their yard and the trail. He also said that the trail system would be a draw to new housing developments, stimulating growth in the community.

"Housing developments have to have that kind of thing to be competitive," he said.

Monson said having a trail near an owner's property raises the value by 20 percent.

The trail system would also allow the city to charge a small "parks and trails" fee from new houses and can apply for grants. "There's a lot of money out there," Monson said.

Zoning ordinances for the north and south "gateways" into Smithfield were also discussed. Commissioner Ed Lawlor said he wanted to see more businesses in those areas.

"A city doesn't make money by growing houses. A city makes money by bringing in business," he said.

The types of businesses to be allowed in these areas were discussed. Commissioner Barbara Kent proposed having fewer restrictions to new businesses but being more restrictive on their appearance for image reasons. Charlene Izatt, deputy recorder, suggested that along with having fewer restrictions, the city have more conditional demands of new businesses.

Commissioner Chairman Rik Vernon said that having conditional usage may be the best way to handle potentially problematic businesses while still inviting new businesses to the city.

Lawlor agreed, and said that having more businesses "adds to the vibrancy of a community."

Other issues discussed at the meeting included a proposal to build condominiums over a current mobile home park, a proposal to annex 55.97 acres into the city from 600 East to 800 East and from 600 North to 800 North.

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