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Board hears pre-application on land swap to add parking for Olivia's Forest; multifamily potential flagged
Summary
The board reviewed a pre-application for a land swap and parking reconfiguration near Olivia's Forest that would add approximately 20 parking stalls; members discussed the potential for future multifamily development on adjacent parcels and requested further detail.
The Smithfield Planning Board on May 15 considered a pre-application concerning a proposed land swap and parking addition near Olivia's Forest. The matter, referenced as AP 23 Lot 67A and related parcels, is intended to provide additional parking near Whipple Field and Olivia's Forest.
A town co-applicant and planning staff explained the proposal would convey a small sliver of land to a private owner in exchange for the town acquiring a parcel to create parking. The presentation estimated approximately 20 parking stalls could be provided. Board members asked for clarity about whether the land being added to the town would have been designated open space and whether the swap would create access that could enable multifamily development on the adjacent parcel.
Members noted the swap would address parking congestion near the baseball field but cautioned that acquiring additional developable area could change future development possibilities. One board member said the swap could increase the total developable area from about 30.85 acres to 33.77 acres and flagged wetlands and a river through the site as outstanding planning questions. The board did not take formal action and asked for follow-up, including a site visit and review of the original council-level proposal.
