Board approves first reading for rezoning at 2nd Creek and Lohman after residents raise density concerns

The Smithville Board of Aldermen approved first reading of Bill 3072-25 on the proposed rezoning of the northeast corner at 2nd Creek Bridge Road and Lohman Road after city staff explained allowable densities and floodplain constraints.

Two nearby residents spoke during public comment. Cindy Hadley, who said she lives at 522nd Creek Road, told the board, "At 4 to 5 houses per acre, I can't see how that would be in accordance with your 2030 plan," arguing the proposed density conflicted with the plan's community-aspirations guidance. Roberta Lohman asked for basic project details that were not in the packet — lot counts, house sizes and the location of smaller homes relative to existing properties — and said residents had not received full answers in advance.

Development Director Jack Hendricks told the board that the comprehensive plan defines moderate-density areas as roughly 1 to 5 units per acre and that the R-1D zoning classification created in 2021 allows smaller lots ("as small as 50 foot wide lots"). He said the developer's maximum theoretical yield would be about 5 units per acre and that "there's a lot of unbuildable space" on the site because roughly seven to eight acres are in the floodplain and some are in the floodway.

Councilors pressed staff on how the plan's density bands translate to the site given existing ponds and floodplain limits. After discussion, the board recorded a roll call with four ayes, one no and one abstention; the motion carried for the first reading. The ordinance text read into the record states it would change zoning classifications for certain lands in Smithville, Missouri.

The measure moves forward following its first reading; further hearings or later readings could provide more detailed site plans and conditions addressing residents' concerns.