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Residents raise traffic-safety, early-morning noise and street-racing concerns at Smithfield meeting
Summary
Speakers at the March 4 meeting urged the council to address a hazardous sightline at Smithfield Boulevard and South Church Street, early-morning dumpster noise behind a commercial lot and apparent street-racing on South Church Street.
SMITHFIELD — Multiple residents used the public-comment portion of the March 4, 2025, Smithfield Town Council meeting to raise safety and quality-of-life concerns in the downtown area.
Eldon Ross, who identified himself as living at 106 Montpelier Way in the Smithfield Heights neighborhood, told the council that a freestanding sign for Cypress Dental, located between the building and the roadway at the Smithfield Boulevard and South Church Street intersection, blocks sightlines and creates a repeated near-miss hazard for turning vehicles. Ross offered to provide photos he had taken of the intersection and asked the town to investigate options to improve visibility and driver behavior.
Ross also reported repeated early-morning noise caused by a commercial dumpster being emptied behind a building adjacent to the Papa John’s parking area; he recorded a pickup time of about 6:04 a.m. and asked whether collection times could be adjusted. Separately, Ross said he hears loud vehicles and believes motorists are street-racing on South Church Street at night; he said the noise and accelerations are disruptive to residents whose bedrooms face the street.
The council asked for the exact locations and photos so staff could review sightline issues; a council member asked Ross to provide images for staff investigation.
Why it matters: The comments raise safety concerns at a specific intersection and quality-of-life issues for nearby residents — matters typically handled by town traffic staff, police or code enforcement.
What’s next: Council members asked staff to review the sightline issue at Smithfield Boulevard and South Church Street and to consider whether changes to sign placement, enforcement or traffic control are warranted; Ross offered to provide photos to assist staff review.
