Council approves rezoning, foster‑home permit, Boys & Girls Club MOU, street name change and board appointments

In addition to the major land‑use decisions, the Town of Smithfield council voted on a series of administrative and quasi‑judicial items.

Rezoning (RZ‑26‑01): Staff recommended and council recommended approval of a 1.75‑acre rezoning to R‑20A to allow a single‑family residence in the ETJ near Firetower Road; public comment supported the applicant’s request and council found the request consistent with the comprehensive growth plan.

Special‑use permit (SUP‑25‑03): Planning staff told the council that family foster homes in certain residential zones require a special‑use permit. Applicant Keisha Davis said she is a licensed foster parent and currently houses two foster children; the council approved the permit and adopted staff findings of fact.

Boys & Girls Club MOU: Council approved a memorandum of understanding allowing the Boys & Girls Club to operate after‑school and summer programming at the Sayer Yard Center beginning Aug. 15, 2026. The town will provide space and first‑year utilities and janitorial support; thereafter the club will pay 50% of utilities not to exceed $400 per month into a restricted fund for the facility.

Street naming: The council approved a request from the American Legion to name a private lane serving Legion property "Legion Park Drive"; staff and the county coordinate naming for GIS and addressing.

Board appointments: The council reappointed a member to the Board of Adjustments, appointed members to the Appearance and Historic Preservation commissions (ballot results selected Emery Ashley Jr. and Brian Royster), and appointed John Keeley to the Planning Board after breaking a tie on the ballot.

Votes on these matters passed by majority votes as recorded in the meeting record.