By Debra Hawkins

September 21, 2007 | SMITHFIELD -- Rezoning of the property at 100 N. 800 West from RA-2 to RA-1 was denied Wednesday by the Smithfield Planning Commission.

The rezoning of the land was requested by Todd Morrill of LYYNX, LLC, in order to be able to build more houses on the land. The land is currently zoned for low-density population meaning only one or two houses per acre. Some of the land and home owners that live around the area came to the hearing to voice their disapproval for rezoning.

"We've set up zoning in our community and I think it ought to stay that way," Tom Pitcher, a Smithfield resident, said. "All we are doing is looking for trouble if we put more houses there because they will be upset and wonder why the horse people are so noisy until 10 at night."

Bob Swanson, another Smithfield resident, argued that when all of the residents around the area in question bought their property, they were told the area would not be rezoned.

"I think you are opening up Pandora's Box by discussing rezoning," Swanson said. "When I bought my property I was under the impression it would stay zoned two acres and so I would like to have the commission veto this request."

Morrill countered, by telling the commission he was trying to market the property to people with animals.

"My intention in the marketing of this property is as horse property," Morrill said.

After the public was given the chance for input, Commission member David Price offered his input on the subject.

"During my 10 years on the planning commission we have tried to keep the zoning on the west side low density," Price said. "I would hate to see us flush all that."

Price made a motion to deny to the rezoning, which was passed unanimously.

In other business, the commission discussed possibly changing a zoning law which allows only one person not related to a family to live with them in a single family home. The possible change comes as a request by Martin Blair on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which wants to house missionaries with families in the community.

"I don't believe allowing two people to live with a family in our situation will effect the city's single family communities," Blair said.

The concerns voiced by commission members by changing it to allow two people instead of one included opening it up for citizens to rent out rooms to college students. The commission decided to table the motion and take the vote on the suggestion next month.

Other business included allowing Syndee Atkinson to establish a beauty salon in her home and approving phase two of a building structure for Kartchner homes.

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