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Council denies rezoning for 1.4-acre site after extended public opposition
Summary
After extensive public comment and council discussion about neighborhood character, traffic and buffer zones, Smithfield City Council voted to deny ordinance 2025-19 to rezone approximately 1.4 acres at 385 West Center from single-family (R1-12) to multi-family (RM).
Smithfield City Council on Nov. 17 voted to deny ordinance 2025-19, a request from Lucerne Management Company to rezone roughly 1.4 acres at approximately 385 West Center from R1-12 (single-family, 12,000 sq. ft.) to RM (multiple-family residential).
Developer representatives said the requested RM designation would allow a density consistent with the city's general plan (3–5 units per acre) and presented access and fencing plans. Dozens of residents testified during the public comment period, with speakers saying the area has been single-family for over a century and raising concerns about traffic, parking, lack of sidewalks, impacts to nearby farms and livestock, and potential spot-zoning.
Council members debated whether the parcel fits within older established blocks and whether the railroad currently functions as a buffer. Concerns were also raised about road widths, stormwater and sewer capacity, and whether the property itself should be cleaned up prior to consideration. After discussion Wade moved to deny the ordinance; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call, and the mayor announced the ordinance 'fails.'
The denial preserves the existing R1-12 zoning for the subject parcels; the developer and residents were advised of the council's decision. The Planning Commission had already recommended denial, and council members said they were weighing community character and infrastructure readiness in reaching their votes.
