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OPINIONS
February 28, 2019 |
 |
 Wingate Lassiter |
Smithfield's turnouts to nowhere:
what kind of "planning"
was that?
The circuitous roadway that takes Outlet Center Drive to East Market Street (US 70 Business) is bad enough as it's laid out. Guess it was supposed to be some kind of "bypass" around anticipated commercial congestion. But boy, is it confusing, especially to tourists who must feel like they're lost, or at least wonder "where the heck are we going?"
Then there are the paved and curbed turnouts like the one pictured above that, if ever extended, could only lead into the backyards of residences in Pine Acres, an historical African-American neighborhood recently celebrated in a resolution adopted by the Smithfield Town Council.
Even the white privacy fence seen above tells us unmistakably that the properties back there are "off limits" to commercial expansion.
The Town of Smithfield is currently working on a "Comprehensive Growth Management and Transportation Plan" to lead us into a future where more commercial and residential development appears certain. Here's hoping one of the elements of that plan is to tear up that section of Outlet Center Drive and start all over again with something that makes more sense than what we've got.
Comments from readers...
Congratulations to Gordon Woodruff, new Board of Elections chairman. He would get my "H-E-C" Award: Honest, Ethical, and Competent.
--- Rev. Philip R. Taylor
I especially appreciate the beautiful project that the youth of Centenary United Methodist Church did for Valentine's Day at Smithfield Manor. I am there each day and I was able to witness the surprise and delight of so many of the residents.
--- Bill Johnson
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