Board approves first reading of Whispering Creek annexation after residents raise traffic and boundary concerns

The Smithville Board of Aldermen approved the first reading of Bill No. 3085-25, annexing Lots 1 and 4 of Whispering Creek Farms, following a public comment period in which nearby residents expressed concerns about traffic increases, safety at the 144th Street and Mount Olivet area, light pollution, and the potential long-term effect on rural character.

Residents including Nicole Pfaff and Cheryl Lee urged the board to deny the annexation or proceed cautiously. Michael Ballenger questioned the proposed annexation boundary's contiguity and pointed to a narrow 276-foot connection between parts of the property, asking that boundaries be redrawn to avoid irregular shapes that could extend the city perimeter.

Board members acknowledged residents' concerns while also noting voluntary annexation is a property owner's right and that detailed reviews of development proposals occur later in the Planning & Zoning and engineering processes. Alderman Dan Hartman emphasized that the Planning & Zoning Commission would conduct due diligence on any future plats and that engineering costs and traffic studies are typically the developer's responsibility.

On the roll-call vote for first reading, the motion carried 5-1 (Alderman Chelsea Dana voted No). The Board noted that additional public hearings and Planning & Zoning review would follow if and when a plat is submitted.