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Residents press Smithfield council on planning transparency and backyard flooding
Summary
At the Town of Smithfield meeting, resident Emma Gimel criticized the planning department for lack of transparency and alleged infringement on property rights; another resident reported standing water under her house after nearby construction and asked the town to investigate.
At the Town of Smithfield council meeting, two citizens used the public-comment period to press elected officials on planning transparency and localized drainage problems.
Emma Gimel of 207 Hancock Street told the council she and neighbors have experienced what she called a pattern of diminished homeowner input, alleging that planning decisions have “invaded our yards and property rights” and that recent Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) changes and zoning actions have lowered building standards. Gimel said residents feel shut out of the process and urged the council to seek more public input.
Separately, an unnamed resident who gave a 915 East Street address reported standing water under her house that began after nearby apartment and property development. She described a historic ditch or easement behind her home that may have been covered during recent construction and asked the town to investigate whether a blocked easement or stormwater change caused the flooding. Town staff and council members said they would check into the matter; Town staff indicated prior contact with the resident and that the town would follow up.
Mayor Andy Moore and council members acknowledged the drainage concerns and discussed possible follow-up steps; later in the meeting the mayor asked staff to begin putting together a plan to inspect ditches and evaluate drainage priorities across town. The council did not take a formal vote on either issue during the meeting.
