The Town of Smithfield held a council meeting on December 3, 2024, focusing on several key agenda items, including discussions on easements related to park access and traffic studies.

The meeting began with a detailed discussion about an easement that curves around a property adjacent to a park. Council members clarified that while the easement does not align directly with an intersection, it provides a straight access route into the park. It was confirmed that there are no plans to develop a road around the park; instead, the easement will allow adjoining property owners access to their properties.

A significant point of discussion was the placement of a public sign to advertise the park. Council members noted that the sign would be positioned along the public road, which is part of the easement. The easement in question is the original one, and any future development on the north side of the property would be the responsibility of the property owner, similar to the town's responsibility for developing the easement leading to the park.

The conversation then shifted to the potential development of a commercial property nearby, which would require careful coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding access points. The council discussed the necessity of a shared entrance for both the commercial site and the park, emphasizing the importance of planning to ensure both entities can coexist effectively.

Budgetary considerations were also addressed, particularly regarding the funding for construction plans. The council has allocated $220,000 for these plans, but concerns were raised about the potential $300,000 cost for constructing a traffic signal. It was suggested that the town should not bear the entire financial burden for the signal, especially if the development of the adjacent property necessitates its installation as well.

After thorough discussions, the council moved to approve the traffic study related to these developments. A motion was made and seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

The meeting then transitioned to public hearings, indicating a shift in focus to community engagement and feedback on upcoming projects. Overall, the council meeting highlighted the town's proactive approach to managing development and ensuring infrastructure aligns with community needs.