News Summary
Smithfield residents are expressing strong opposition to a proposed rezoning for outdoor storage at 6232 Raleigh Road. The Johnston County Planning Board has rejected the application, citing concerns over traffic, safety, and aesthetics, particularly from those living near the site. Local residents fear the development could diminish property values and alter the character of the community. The County Commissioners are set to review the Planning Board’s recommendation soon.
Smithfield, NC – Community Opposition Grows Over Rezoning Proposal for Outdoor Storage Business
The Smithfield area of Johnston County is facing increased community opposition regarding a proposed rezoning request for a piece of land at 6232 Raleigh Road. Kurt Farrell has petitioned the Johnston County Commissioners to rezone approximately 6.69 acres from its current designation to allow for commercial use. The intended use includes outdoor storage, parking of commercial vehicles, and the loading and unloading of tractor-trailer rigs.
Rejection by Planning Board and Community Concerns
The Johnston County Planning Board recently reviewed Farrell’s rezoning application and voted against recommending approval. The rejection was primarily influenced by widespread concerns expressed by local residents, especially those residing in the Bruce Diamond subdivision nearby.
Residents from Bruce Diamond voiced strong opposition to the proposed development, emphasizing the potential negative impact on their neighborhood. One resident described the plan as “totally unacceptable” and warned it would become an “eyesore,” disrupting the aesthetic and tranquility of the community. The homes in Bruce Diamond are situated approximately 20 to 25 feet higher than Farrell’s proposed business site, intensifying residents’ worries about visibility and the visual impact of the commercial activities.
Traffic and Safety Concerns
A significant issue raised by residents centers around traffic safety, particularly on Raleigh Road, which runs near West Johnston High School. Community members reported that traffic along this stretch is often heavy and that vehicles tend to travel at speeds exceeding 55 miles per hour. This has raised fears about the safety of children and pedestrians in the area, especially considering the proximity to a school and a busy intersection at Coats Crossroads.
Community members expressed specific concerns about sight lines at the nearby Coats Crossroads intersection, which could become more hazardous with the addition of larger commercial vehicles, such as box trucks and tractor-trailers. During peak traffic periods and school hours, the presence of these larger vehicles could increase the risk of rear-end collisions and other traffic-related accidents. Residents also highlighted concerns about increased congestion during special events, such as graduation days at West Johnston High School.
Impact on the Community and Property Values
Beyond traffic and aesthetics, residents voiced broader worries about the potential impact on the community’s character and property values. Some community members, including Clayton Daniels, expressed a fear that the development could lead to a “loss in our community.” Others, like Crystal Butler, cautioned that approving this rezoning could set a precedent for future commercial developments in the area, potentially altering the neighborhood’s residential nature.
Property owners such as Andy Evans voiced concerns that the rezoning could negatively influence property values for local homeowners, arguing that commercial activity on Raleigh Road might diminish the appeal and marketability of nearby properties. Conversely, some suggested that N.C. 210 might be a more suitable area for commercial development, reserving Raleigh Road as a quieter residential corridor.
Planning Board’s Final Recommendation
After considering the community’s input and evaluating the proposed rezoning, the Johnston County Planning Board decided to recommend that the County Commissioners deny Farrell’s application. The decision reflects the significant opposition from local residents and the concerns about traffic safety, aesthetics, and community integrity.
The County Commissioners are expected to review the Planning Board’s recommendation in upcoming sessions before making a final decision on the rezoning request.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Smithfield Times: Town Seeks to Rezone Land
- Smithfield Times: Hearing Set for Kemps Village Development
- Smithfield Times: Developer Asks for Delay on Kemps Village Vote
- Wikipedia: Zoning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rezoning
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
