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Residents ask for town text alerts; nonprofit My Forever Home announces Findlay Landing groundbreaking
Summary
During citizen comments, residents urged the town to adopt a text/alert system for closures and emergencies, and Jeff Holland, president of My Forever Home, invited officials to a Feb. 20 groundbreaking for Findlay Landing — a project to build 10 single‑family homes to house adults with disabilities.
Smithfield — Two items from the public‑comment period drew council attention: a request for a town text‑alert system and an invitation to a nonprofit housing groundbreaking.
Stephanie Avery (West Meadowbrook Drive) told the council she would like a town‑level texting or alert service so residents know when town offices are closed and when they reopen after weather events. "If the town is closing, citizens need to know when you're opening back up," Avery said, noting she relied on the town website and county alerts and that a local text message tool would be useful for reopening notices and emergency evacuations. The mayor and staff acknowledged the request and said the town would explore options during budget discussions.
Jeff Holland, president of the nonprofit My Forever Home, described an affordable housing project for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities called Findlay Landing on Highway 70 near the Amazon plant. Holland said his organization will break ground on Feb. 20 for the first three of 10 single‑family homes, each designed for two residents, and invited the mayor to participate in the ceremony at 1 p.m. "We will be renting the homes and keeping the rental going in perpetuity," Holland said, explaining the nonprofit model and a planned application process for prospective residents.
Council thanked speakers, asked clarifying questions about development partners and timelines, and expressed support for making town communications more accessible to residents.
What happens next: staff said they will research options for a text‑alert system and follow up on community outreach plans for the Boys & Girls Club and other local events.
