Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sand Trace Wastewater topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council schedules hearing on sewer capacity amendment tied to Sand Trace development; resident raises safety, process concerns
Summary
Smithfield scheduled an Oct. 15 hearing for a wastewater facility plan amendment that would reserve and relocate sewer capacity for the Sand Trace condominium project. Acting town engineer said the 60-unit project requires sewer extension; a nearby resident urged changes and cited traffic and state-standard concerns.
The Smithfield Town Council on Sept. 17 scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 15 to consider a proposed amendment to the Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan to relocate reserved sewer capacity in anticipation of the Sand Trace development.
Josh Jelly, acting town engineer, told the council the Sand Trace project—a 60-unit condominium—requires extending sewer into portions of Long Road and Med School Road because sewage service does not currently reach those parcels. He said the amendment would reserve capacity for the development and also allow current residents in that area the possibility to connect to the system.
A council member recused themself from the discussion, citing prior litigation involving the Sand Trace development and a conflict of interest.
During public comment, a nearby resident identified as Cassius of 2 Williams Road questioned why the project was approved without existing sewage availability and raised multiple concerns about safety and compliance: he cited a planned four-way intersection at a driveway near his home, said sidewalks and bus stops are missing "against state law," and contended the development would provide "140 plus units" and only the minimum number of low- and moderate-income units required. The resident urged the council to change aspects of the project and questioned whether previous reviews overlooked required standards.
Council did not take a final land-use decision on Sept. 17; it scheduled the Oct. 15 hearing to consider the wastewater amendment and to allow further public input and staff responses.
