| Smithfield
approves sewer connection on 700 West, discusses zoning
change for downtown
By Debra Hawkins
September 28, 2007 | SMITHFIELD -- An easement to install
a sewer connection at the intersection of 700 West and
100 North was approved by the Smithfield City Council
Wednesday.
The council unanimously approved the easement on condition
that those who wanted the sewer connection pay a cash
deposit for the amount of the work, and an extra 15
percent that will remain in an account for two years
in case there are problems with the new connections.
City Manager James P. Gass said he thinks the people
involved will have no problem giving the city the deposit.
"If they want to do this and do this in an honorable
way, they should have no problem giving us the money,"
Gass said.
The council also discussed the possibility of amending
zoning ordinance Title 17 Special Provisions. This ordinance
deals with multiple housing in the downtown area of
Smithfield, Gass said. This would open up the possibility
of placing apartments and businesses on the same piece
of property.
Councilwoman Kris Monson said she thinks amending
the zoning would be a big mistake. It would set a precedent
that would make businesses think they could do what
ever they want, she said.
"I think we would make a huge mistake if we did this.
I think this is just goofy," Monson said. "I want it
to look incorporated. I want to attract businesses."
Councilman Denis Watkins said when he was growing
up he lived in an apartment behind his family's business
and when his dad went to work he just walked through
the door into another room. He said he would like to
see apartments go up in the downtown area.
"I think the idea of the apartments is great, if we
can control it," Watkins said.
Monson said she wants the apartments in the downtown
area as long as they look nice and are incorporated
and not separate from the businesses.
"Having apartments downtown would light up the downtown.
There will be lights on at night," Monson said. "It
is something we can do to revitalize the downtown area."
In other business, the council unanimously recertified
the Justice Court of Smithfield, set two public hearings
for Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. to discuss zoning changes and
considered a request from Verizon for the installation
of a cell tower at the Birch Creek Golf Course.
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