survey summary - smithfield, north carolina...1 survey summary introduction to ensure a broad range...

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SURVEY SUMMARYINTRODUCTION

To ensure a broad range of perspectives were involved in the early phases of the Smithfield Town Plan, an online survey was designed to provide a tool for community input. The survey launched on August 20,2018 and was available online through October 23,2018. Through the publicinput.com platform, the survey allowed participants to identify both land use and transportation issues, as well as share with the project team what they most valued about Smithfield. In total, 189 people participated in the survey. Participants provided more than 1,200 data points and 181 comments.

The pages that follow display the results of each question and are followed by an Appendix of Comments. The comments listed in the appendix are not edited for grammar, spelling, or content and are reflected exactly as they were recorded in the online survey.

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THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE IN TOWN IS: (SELECT UP TO THREE)

Survey participants were asked to share what they felt were the most pressing issues in Smithfield. Downtown vibrancy, jobs and economic growth, and addressing vacant shopping centers received the most selections. Survey participants most often leaned towards options that when looked at comprehensively are intended to increase the economic well-being and quality of development through out Town, with much less participants choosing transportation related issues. Any comments left as part of this question can be found in the appendix.

45, 10.0%

56, 12.4%

50, 11.1%

63, 13.9%

54, 11.9%

21, 4.6%

29, 6.4%

35, 7.7%

49, 10.8%

43, 9.5%

7, 1.5%

Quality of development

Jobs and economic growth

Attracting new residents

Making downtown more vibrant

Addressing vacant shopping centers

Transportation improvements for cars

Transportation improvements for people walking and biking

Recreational opportunities

Improvement to the school system and other public services

More renovated housing, new housing, or more options

Other

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WHAT DO YOU VALUE THE MOST ABOUT THE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD?

Survey participants were asked what they valued most about the Town of Smithfield, and over 50 people responded. While most respondents provided a positive remark at the onset of their value statement, many also tagged on suggestions for maintaining or improving Smithfield. The bullets below are examples of items shared by the public, while the full list of responses can be found in the appendix.

� No matter our struggles or lacking resources, the people here take pride in the sense of small town togetherness. The citizens are what I value most. I also love our location and that I can get just about anywhere I need to in just a few minutes. But I do believe we can attract a better variety of retail shopping options for our every day needs as well as non-essentials. We deserve better options and to be able to shop local instead of going to Garner or Raleigh or Wilson every time we need something that can’t be found at Food Lion or Walmart.

� I love that Smithfield has small town charm, even with all of the commercial growth we’ve experienced. Downtown Smithfield is great, but there’s always room for improvement (more upper story housing, more retail, fewer first floor offices, and additional attractions). The fact that we’re so connected via roads is wonderful, and our parks are exceptional for a community of our size! The people also couldn’t be nicer, and I love that so many young people are buying houses in Smithfield and moving here!

� I love our little town. Our town employees are quick to respond to requests for help. I like the mix of businesses and government and treasure our Heritage Center. I’d like to see more shopping options – help Chris Johnson bring Hobby Lobby to Smithfield/Selma.

� Accessible downtown area for walking and biking to restaurants and some shopping, plus the relatively quiet and small-town feel that less traffic (relative to places like Raleigh) and older neighborhoods (smaller homes with large yards) provide. I also greatly value the signs of gentrification, such as old homes being renovated and formerly empty storefronts filling up with new businesses.

What do you value most about the Town of Smithfield?

No matter our struggles or lacking resources, the people here take pride in the sense of

small town togetherness. The citizens are what I value most. I also love our location and

that I can get just about anywhere I need to in just a few minutes...

—Smithfield Town Plan, survey participant

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I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THE FOLLOWING HOUSING OPTIONS IF AVAILABLE IN THE TOWN: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

Survey participants were asked to select all housing options that they would be interested in if offered in the Town of Smithfield. While a house with a large yard received the most single selections, the majority of individuals (64%) chose a combination of the smaller lot or multifamily housing options. Participants who left comments in addition to making selections mention items such as second floor housing options in Downtown, as well as codes enforcement in existing neighborhoods.

34, 31%

29, 27%

30, 27%

11, 10%

5, 5%

A house with a large yard, even if not nearshopping and services

A house with a smaller yard within walkingdistance of a park or school

A low maintenance patio home ortownhome near shopping and services

An apartment or condo complex

Other

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WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION ISSUES FACING SMITHFIELD? (SELECT UP TO TWO)

Survey participants were asked to share with the project team what transportation issues were most important to them. The top two responses revolved around the lack of pedestrian facilities and poor pavement conditions or maintenance. Notably, few people specified concerns with traffic congestion and delay. Of those who responded other and left comment, areas of greatest interest revolved around speeding and parking issues, particularly around Downtown.

Tra�c congestion and delay

Pavement conditions/maintenance

Lack of adequate pedestrian facilities (sidewalks, crosswalks, etc.)

Lack of adequate bicycle facilities (greenways, bicycle lanes, etc.)

Lack of adequate public transportation (bus, van-pool, etc)

Safety issues (speeding, crashes, etc.)

Other

14, 9.8%

31, 21.7%

37, 25.9%

13, 9.1%

22, 15.4%

22, 15.4%

4, 2.8%

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I WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT TRAVEL SAFETY, WHAT TYPE OF FACILITIES NEED THE GREATEST LEVEL OF IMPROVEMENT? (SELECT ONE)

When asked about travel safety within the Town, participants felt that sidewalks and the pedestrian realm were in need of the greatest level of improvement. Intersections and roadway corridors were the next highest scoring category.

Intersections

Roadway corridors

Sidewalks

On-street bicycle accomodations

Pedestrian crossings

Greenways

22, 21.6%

20, 19.6%

37, 36.3%

6, 5.9%

14, 13.7%

3, 2.9%

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MAPPING ELEMENT

In addition to standard survey questions, participants were given the opportunity to provide feedback about specific issues, concerns, or ideas on an interactive map. Participants placed 63 markers on the map, 51 of which include more detailed comments. Many comments stressed addressing blight, redevelopment, and the need for sidewalks throughout Town. The full list of comments can be found in the appendix.

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PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

At the conclusion of the survey, participants were given the opportunity to share information about themselves, to help the project team better understand survey response. These questions were entirely optional; however, between approximately 35% to 60% shared information to the different questions. The response rate for each question is provided in blue to the left of the corresponding summary graphic.

African American/Black

I live in Smithfield

I work or have business interest in Smithfield

I live AND work in Smithfield

Neither

Less than$25,000

$25,000 to$34,999

$35,000 to$49,999

$50,000 to$74,999

$75,000 to$99,999

$100,000 to$149,999

$150,000 to$199,999

$200,000 ormore

37, 52%

14, 20%

18, 25%

2, 3%

17 or younger

18 to 24 25 to 44 45 to 64 65 or older

38

, 40

.0%

40

, 42

.1%

17, 1

7.9

%

0, 0

.0%

0, 0

.0%

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95

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120

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11, 9

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4, 3

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39

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.5%

14, 1

1.7%

15, 1

2.5

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30

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3, 2

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4, 3

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PARTICIPANT INFORMATION CONTINUED

Wh

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Are

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95

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.2%

82, 86.3%

African American/Black

Caucasian/White

Prefer not to say

Yes

No

Prefer not to say

8, 8.4%5, 5.3%

92, 93.9%

4, 4.1%2, 2.0%

This page is intentionally left blank.

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APPENDIX OF COMMENTS

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THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE IN THE TOWN IS:

� Start holding Apt owners accountable for not keeping up their dwellings to our town’s standards.

� Make the East Smithfield up to date. Help Seniors to improve their homes

� It need to be done for East Smithfield, Belmont, Woodall Heights, all areas that need help. STOP burn them up and fix them where people can leave. All senior in this area really need help

� Stop the madness and help people that need help with their HOMES

� We need to be more selective in the process of renting/allowing commercial building. We see too many duplicates of dollar shopping stores, auto parts stores, etc and they provide very few jobs and the “new” buildings we allow them to build are aluminum or cinderblock. New development, whether Commercial or residential, should adhere to some index of standards that aims to improve the beauty of the town, not just whatever can be slapped together and filled with merchandise at a minimum cost. It sets the town for everyone else considering future projects when we keep allowing eyesores to be built. We need actual standards. New stores do not indicate growth or new jobs. How many people have been implored by the last three dollar general/family dollar stores that went up? How many were moved from an old location? Do we need so many value stores, used auto dealers, auto parts stores in a location of this size? We need a plan that encourages other types of businesses to come here, makes people want to open business here, gives people pride in the local business community.

� I believe when you consider the fact that we have a movie theatre, grocery stores, retail shops, an outlet mall, a Taproom, and many other desirable places, we are so blessed to not have to leave Smithfield for much of anything unless we so choose. That being said, I’m bewildered as to why (as a young 40 year old Mom ) downtown Smithfield sometimes feels like a ghost town. I believe we need more things like a small farmers market ( next to town hall perhaps ) and more advertising for our free concerts ! I feel that if we utilized the existing places and resources we already have, it would make a big impact. I love that this poll for ex. is being implemented ! Great job Smithfield !

� West Smithfield is filled with vacant buildings and lacks anything to attract residents to our side of town. The furniture store beside the now empty Kmart has been empty since I was a child, and I’m now in my 30s.

� We need a NEWSPAPER

� we do have a lot of empty shopping center buildings. maybe look at what other towns have done to address this. I wish downtown had more shopping options. A convenient store. A drug store. More walkability. Bringing some housing facilities to downtown would help with the demand for more shopping conveniences.

� Too many family dollars, dollar generals and car lots . How many does one town need ??

� “improvements to school system making downtown more vibrant addressing vacant commercial properties “

� Create more restaurants and retail space and less offices. Improve appearance of the entrances to the town but not just landscaping. Either remove and rebuild vacant areas or refurbish and offer incentives for someone to bring in a business.

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� “Enforce the speed limit through Smithfield, speeds are unreal every day. You take your life in your hands trying to cross the street...I also think tractor trailers should not be aloud to come through town, they drive dangerously too fast. A lot of businesses put there trash out by trash cans not even in the trash can, because they have too much. This looks really bad to people walking and visiting patrons in the area. “

� tax rates: Raleigh .4382, new bern .46 , Smithfield .57 raleigh has better schools and lower taxes

� Traffic laws are not enforced. Market Street is dangerous as speeding is constant. Turn lanes are not enforced. Traffic needs to be directed to 301 and 70 bypass. Residential areas need to be protected.

� The town charges premiums for being downtown to include the development tax and the demand fee placed on businesses downtown. This is counter productive in bringing new businesses to the downtown area.

� As a new resident, I find myself only “living” here. I still commute 55 mins to Raleigh daily for both full and part-time work. I would LOVE to work and play in Smithfield full-time. It would be nice to see Smithfield get a few high-tech companies in-house. Even if the city could offer more city/county government opportunities. I love the time I spend here on the weekend. I would also love to see small business opportunities for entrepreneurs. My goal is to open a storefront bakery in two years. All the empty/vacant storefronts near downtown are excellent locations. Are there any programs to help small startups help develop and employ our residents?

� “I propose the town work with Johnston County to build at least one multi level parking structure at the corner of Johnston and 3rd Street. It could work in conjunction with the County expanding parking for county/court/EMS etc underneath the courthouse which is also desperately needed. Downtown cannot thrive without additional parking opportunities. In the past few months we lost Grapes and Grounds which really took a gamble trying to bring something new to downtown. I believe if ample parking were available during the daytime and not just evening businesses like Grapes and Grounds as well as the rest of downtown could really be transformed. Also, closing Johnston Street in between 2nd and 3rd Street and turning it into a pedestrian “”mall””type thoroughfare would lessen the congestion right in front of the courthouse and its steps. Related to this, the parking on 3rd Street in the area of the courthouse is out of control. It’s amazing there aren’t accidents everyday on 3rd in between Johnston St and Church St. When cars are parked on both sides of 3rd Street it causes oncoming traffic to do a “”duck in, duck out”” dance because 3rd Street is NOT wide enough to accommodate parking on both sides as well as two way traffic. Lastly, the old police station has become such an eyesore. I realize there was at a one time a group attempting to put dining or apartments there. Those would be terrific additions to downtown but as the building sits dilapidated and in such poor condition it could almost be considered a safety hazard. It’s prominent location among our downtown deserves something better than what currently sits there. I know the parking structure will be expensive, investments into infrastructure always are. But the Town of Smithfield and Johnston County as a whole would benefit tremendously with the growth we are set to experience in the coming years.

� I don’t see how local government can do much to encourage jobs and economic growth, except for the extent to which it can refrain from taking actions that inhibit the attempts of entrepreneurs to start up and expand prosperous businesses in Smithfield.

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� https://www.change.org/p/johnston-county-department-of-transportation-build-a-public-sidewalk-on-wilson-s-mills-rd-in-smithfield-nc?recruiter=895048854&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page

� There is nothing except the pottery in Smithfield for residents or tourists

� Dog Park, affordable housing, sidewalk improvements and adding sidewalks to residential areas that do not have sidewalks.

� Advertising for places s like the old KMart bldg., could be an Antique Mall, bring business back to W. Smithfield... same for Rose Manor, this would bring revenue to W. Smithfield, bring it back to life...advertising is KEY!

� More shops, events, etc downtown would be great.

� Smithfield needs some nice upscale restaurants, better recreational facilities for active Seniors, and a clean up of unsightly properties along Brightleaf Blvd. Enough Auto Parts stores, please.

� We need help in helping seniors with improving their homes

� How about building a multi-level parking deck for people who have to go to the county offices at the court house !! It is a mess trying to park around the courthouse especially for folks who are handi-capped ! If you have an appointment at 9:15 AM, you have to get there at 7:30 am OR ELSE you catch hell trying to find a place to park.

� Young family with kids have leave our town to surrounding towns for recreational needs,fix up old neighborhood,sidewalks

� Investing in youth programs

� There are bike posts set up downtown to encourage people to ride their bikes but other than the bike path there hasn’t been anything done to make riding to these bike posts any safer. I.e. bike lanes, bike routes etc

� “Making downtown Smithfield become more retail rather than just offices Where people will have a reason to come to Smithfield to shop.”

� Utility Bill Too Expensive

� we need to grow housing stock...we have commercial/services for a much larger population than actually live in Smithfield...we need need to attract more people to increase the roof tops so that we can force change to the schools...although NCDOT has made significant improvements on their behalf...the town needs to have a detailed transportation plan that the town and developers use as a guide for new roads.

� I would like to see an outdoor pool the community can use. Also the vacant shopping centers need to have something attracting! There’s so much space not being used right by the papa John’s and some buildings downtown that aren’t really in good shape.

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� I think it is imperative to have a visionary on the decision-making board. A visionary could see how to make improvements to attract quality (add to the quality of the town) residents. A visionary was involved in the designing of other cities that have roads that make sense and are easy to navigate, nature that improves the overall look of the town (trees and grass parks), good infrastructure, low taxes for residents (we are not in Raleigh), well kept neighborhoods, appealing downtown area, appreciation and interest in maintaining the positive qualities of the town and neighborhoods.

� clearing/removing or addressing vacant and old/un-used buildings and houses....not just shopping centers.

� The end of Smithfield at exit 95 has just stopped progressing due to the traffic circle that serves no purpose. We have a big circle behind my place of business now that just confusing people and makes them want to wait to get off on next exit. Nothing about the circle is clear or convenient. We need businesses in the circle to serve a purpose.

� My favorite part about Smithfield is that there are plots of land which are left relatively undisturbed where people can enjoy nature without all of the distractions and aesthetically unpleasant qualities of larger towns and cities. I also enjoy the Buffalo Creek Greenway. My hope is that oncoming development does not ruin these aspects that many people enjoy about Smithfield.

� The streets around our shopping center is terrible. A Raleigh buyer looked at Eden Woods to purchase a home listed at $235,000. They put in their offer then withdrew it due to lack of sidewalks there and the streets around the restaurants. Older cash buyers so schools were not the issue and that normally keeps younger buyers away.

� More attention from the county needs to be paid to our Smithfield schools. We need to see the positive that is going on in our feeder pattern.

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� Quality Town services

� Small town feeling.

� Outlets. Please, please enforce existing rules on apt owners. And stop spending money we don’t have on recreation or trying to make our down-town better. Wal-Mart is the new downtown. Sorry but it’s the truth. Times change - move on. Recreation is for towns with money and a good school system. We have neither. Imagine if we had spent the pool money on a Science Ctr. We could have been the envy of every small town. We’d have so many yuppies moving here for education you could fun two pools. Good luck.

� Making East Smithfield better

� Small town feeling. Everyone knows everyone. One big family

� Proximity to the triangle

� No matter our struggles or lacking resources, the people here take pride in the sense of small town togetherness. The citizens are what I value most. I also love our location and that I can get just about anywhere I need to in just a few minutes. But I do believe we can attract a better variety of retail shopping options for our every day needs as well as non-essentials. We deserve better options and to be able to shop local instead of going to garner or Raleigh or Wilson every time we need something that can’t be found at food lion or Walmart.

� The kind people here !

� Every single thing ! I moved here 2 years ago from Clayton and just adore it here !

� Everything... We moved here six months ago from NYS and love Smithfield. Its got a great small town feel, but, has everything you could need.

� I value the small, local businesses and hope we can continue to attract quality shops and restaurants.

� Small town feel

� I love our little town. Our town employees are quick to respond to requests for help. I like the mix of businesses and government and treasure our Heritage Center. I’d like to see more shopping options--help Chris Johnson bring Hobby Lobby to Smithfield/Selma.

� Still has that small town feeling.

� Small town feel. No major traffic issues. the friendly people and all town employees I have had encounters with are very helpful and pleasant. Paying my electric bill is always met with a smile (maybe it is the large digits?) New housing options has always been a concern for me. Wish we were tiny house friendly!

� The walkable small town feel with easy access to physical fitness and recreational facilities.

� Walkable & small business oriented Main Street area

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� I love that Smithfield still has small town charm, even with all of the commercial growth we’ve experienced. Downtown Smithfield is great, but there’s always room for improvement (more upper story housing, more retail, fewer first floor offices, and additional attractions). The fact that we’re so connected via roads is wonderful, and our parks are exceptional for a community of our size! The people also couldn’t be nicer, and I love that so many young people are buying houses in Smithfield and moving here!

� Convenience

� Small town feel; Smithfield Running Club; downtown restaurants and shops

� Very valuable remember you only get one first impression, we have gone from on bail bondsmen to ever place you look you see one. It would appear that we are a center for crime

� Walk ability, downtown is small and compact, try to get more business that isn’t related to the court house

� The people, and town government

� Movie theatre, park system, festivals

� We have so many empty building!!

� Please don’t turn Smithfield into another Clayton...a hodgepodge of strung together housing developments that haven’t aged well. Lets protect our historical housing areas, strengthen code enforcement, and beautify the town common areas. The town services are wonderful!!!!!! We have great town employees.

� I love the smaller community feel. I have been here since June and love the peace of the area. Yes, I miss the Super Target and multiple grocery store options and later operating hours of them...however after working eight hours in Raleigh/Durham daily AND the drive back home, NOTHING BEATS THE TRANQUIL VIBE OF SMITHFIELD.

� Convenience, I can find most everything I need on a trip to Smithfield.

� Accessible downtown area for walking and biking to restaurants and some shopping, plus the relatively quiet and small-town feel that less traffic (relative to places like Raleigh) and older neighborhoods (smaller homes with large yards) provide. I also greatly value the signs of gentrification, such as old homes being renovated and formerly empty storefronts filling up with new businesses.

� https://www.change.org/p/johnston-county-department-of-transportation-build-a-public-sidewalk-on-wilson-s-mills-rd-in-smithfield-nc?recruiter=895048854&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page

� The history and sense of community.

� We have most of everything you could ask for in a Town our size. The best recreation facilities in the region, excellent shopping, cultural and racial diversity and friendly people all-around.

� A nice downtown

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� I enjoy the people & love the Howell Theatre

� It is home, and the town needs to continue with growth and improving entryways into town. If we want our town to grow, then improvements must be made and a higher standard of maintenance should be introduced.

� Pride of the people.

� I think people like me are returning home and ready to invest in our community. Having appropriate resources to grow the town and the services, housing, and community programs offered will continue to attract those that grew up here and new folks who are moving near the RTP.

� How about building a multi-level parking deck for people who have to go to the county offices at the court house !! It is a mess trying to park around the courthouse especially for folks who are handicapped ! If you have an appointment at 9:15 AM, you have to get there at 7:30 AM OR ELSE you catch hell trying to find a place to park. Not only is it aggravating for folks who do business at the courthouse, but folks at surrounding businesses have trouble finding parking spaces. If Smithfield can spend over a million bucks on a walking trail a lot of folks dont use, why can’t Smithfield get a match grant from the dept. of interior of dept. of agriculture to build a multi-level parking deck ??

� Convenient to Outlet Mall,all the main interstates,95,70,and I 40,540

� I like that Smithfield has small town charm. With all the abandoned buildings in West Smithfield it looks like a ghost town upon arrival. There needs to be a boys and girls club, 4H or some type of youth services to offer to the children and teens.

� “The friendly people and its trying to make the town more charming. Its friendly people and the town’s willingness to make it me our town more desirable to others.

� The people, the river, recreational facilities and the downtown area.

� I love the family businesses downtown and the activities that I can take child to. I wish there were more evening activities in town.

� It is Relatively Safe in My Neighborhood, I Can Walk My Dogs at Nite, w No Fear

� Every small town that has the county court house is going to attach those business who depend on the court for their income stream, lawyers, bail bondsmen and other county offices compete for space, would encouraging buildings to go higher be one of the answers?

� The small town feel, the sidewalks, trees, open grass parks.

� The thing I value most about Smithfield is the value! We found a darling house with so much charm and character at a fraction of the cost of living in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill. Plus, we are still minutes to shopping centers and the big city of Raleigh if needed :)

� Convenience

� The community, small town feel

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� La tranquilidad

� Small town atmosphere

� Smithfield has a rich history & a strong sense of community, Having the educational choices for children is a plus, including the opportunities for continued education through JCC.

� Smithfield has a variety of stores, restaurants and attractions. Local government is easier to deal with than other Johnston County offices.

� It’s my home and has been for 45 years.

� “At this time, it is hard to have pride in being a resident of Smithfield. We have obviously not grown in levels we should due to our location. Because of the reputation of our schools, the reputation of our housing market, the demographics of our town, the political novice of our leadership and the arrogance of not willing or wanting to change we are seen as a 1970’s has been town that has been surpassed by other bedroom communities of Raleigh. Enforce the town ordinances and codes, encourage home ownership, not slumlord councilman/mayors, and require the Board of Education to invest in the county seat school system- not the western part of the county. Do not brag about cheap housing. That is not a advertisement for where you want to live.

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I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THE FOLLOWING HOUSING OPTIONS IN AVAILABLE IN THE TOWN:

� Already have a house. I need a cute neighborhood with laws against slum lords enforced. Stop giving in.

� Need ro do something with the appearance of smithfield when entering east on 70, so much wasted space. Need better grocery stores, shopping for clothing maybe a tj maxx ,nkohls,target ,best buy , come on Smithfield get on the ball ...

� bring more houing options to downtown. apartments on second floors. renovate the old hotel downtown!

� Upper floor housing in downtown!

� I have it all I live in downtown

� If condo’s or townhouse with good HOA’s would be a help

� More things to do in downtown!! Shops

� It would be very exciting to hear if there is any interest in altering local zoning laws to allow for “tiny homes” in the area - It may be the case that the entrepreneurial types of people who could bring new and vibrant businesses to the downtown area, would also be attracted to a city that deals sensibly with new ideas, like the tiny house movement.

� I live downtown and am very happy with my location.

� Neighborhoods in Smithfield can change from one block to another. Would love to see more pride in several neighborhoods or more enforcement of codes to landlords and tenant maintenance.

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WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION ISSUES FACING SMITHFIELD?

� The pavement the town puts down cracks within months. That’s not just a claim - it’s a fact. And typically a pipe burst under the new pavement and they have to dig up again and patch. It would be funny but you can count on it like clockwork

� Need more left signals .especially by lowes ,lunch hour is terrible. Natbe more 4 way stop signs.

� As my husband is disabled and cant drive, I would like more options for public transportation.

� Main street still has speeding and parking issues. this has been on the books forever! wish we had a bus system of some sort. I guess lack of downtown population restricts this.

� Market Street is our Main Street and should better serve all types of transportation, not just cars (and especially not cater to big trucks). The presence of those big trucks and the speed at which cars travel is detrimental to the vibrancy of our downtown.

� Only town I know that does not have sidewalks in order to walk your child to school And the school being right across the street from your neighborhood That also does NOT have any sidewalks. It is insane !

� public parking

� For the court house so police and sheriff cars don’t take up all the parking on the streets

� Need more parking areas

� Parking is the #1 transportation issue.

� Speeding especially on Market street is very dangerous and prevents people from coming downtown and visiting businesses on that street.

� Neuse River flooding roads. Roads need upgrading

� People speed regularly on North 2nd and 3rd Street.

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MAPPING ELEMENT: TRANSPORTATION COMMENTS

Approximate Map Marker Location and Comment

Outlet Center Drive Remove the roundabout

Outlet Center Drive Several issues are hurting traffic flow with the circle and it needs to be addressed.

Market Street Widen Market Street or remove parking on one side so people will stop parking on the sidewalks

Outlet Malls/HotelsThis entire area needs sidewalks. A lot of people that visit the Town walk around this area in what can be unsafe conditions. North and South Equity Drive are in serious need of repaving/construction.

Booker Dairy Road (general area)

Walking paths to the park (Smithfield Community Park) so people can walk or bike downtown from their homes

Outlet Center Drive at Market Street

Current traffic patterns aren’t cohesive to easily access the growth of new businesses

Market Street Hard to get out of Panera Bread! Also new traffic pattern at pottery is confusing to visitors, no telling how visitors find it!

Market Street Panera Bread!

Market Street (Downtown)

There is tremendous potential for Market Street, but some issues must be addressed.

Booker Dairy Road Need sidewalks to schools and parks from close housing

Outlet Center Drive/Equity Drive

Need sidewalk or greenway trail for shoppers, hotel guests, movie goers, and restaurant eaters

Wilson’s Mills Roadhttps://www.change.org/p/johnston-county-department-of-transportation-build-a-public-sidewalk-on-wilson-s-mills-rd-in-smithfield-nc?recruiter=895048854&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page

Vermont Street/Davis Street

Sidewalks from Vermont/Davis Street

Market Street at Brightleaf Boulevard

Left turn lane going north needs to be moved back about 10-ft to facilitate trucks turning right off of Market Street

Downtown

How about building a parking deck for people who have to go to the county offices at the court house!! It is a mess trying to park around the courthouse especially for folks who are handi-capped! If you have an appointment at 9:15 AM you have to get there at 7:30 am OR ELSE you catch hell trying to find a place to park.

Outlet Center Drive Traffic circle; congestion

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MAPPING ELEMENT: TRANSPORTATION COMMENTS CONTINUED


W Market Street at Strickland Drive

The school is so far out and it makes difficult transportation issues for parents that do not have adequate transportation. Buses, better cab services, etc is severely needed

Market Street Parking congestion

Brightleaf Boulevard Create complete streets facility

Equity Drive A million visitors drive this road, it needs to be paved with gutters.

Outlet Center Drive The area around Outlet Center from Hwy 70W is DANGEROUS.

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MAPPING ELEMENT: LAND USE COMMENTS


Market StreetAs an entrance to a beautiful Town, this entire corridor needs to be enhanced. There are vacant businesses and too many used car lots.

Market Street This is an unsightly corridor to the Town. Unsightly properties should be removed.

Market Street at RRThe railroad overpass is another unsightly entrance to the downtown area. It would be nice to have a mural painted on the bridge or at the least simply maintained.

Old Rite AidNow that Rite Aid has closed, this would be a great location for a brewery! A brewery anywhere in Smithfield would be a great addition

Blount Street near Midway Street

There are a lot of blighted housing throughout the East Smithfield Community. It would be nice to see these house rehabbed not only for the community, but for the Town as a whole

Brightleaf Boulevard at Lee Street

There are many old warehouses and overgrowth that need to be removed along this corridor.

Third StreetWould love to see more restaurants/ shops in the Downtown area. Smithfield has a great downtown, but after 5 pm, there is no activity.

Durwood Stephenson Highway near Nesue River

market more things about our waterfront. the river should be a more central part of downtown.

Short Journey Road

“Down short Journey rd. here is a tract of land 50 acres that could become a housing development . maybe smaller houses so more people could afford to own their own home. with amazon coming in there is a great opportunity to bring people to Johnston county instead of Wake. But first we have to have housing to offer them!”

Market Street near Wilson’s Mills Road

A lot of abandoned buildings


Roses and Food lion need to be renovated to attract more consumers and to keep up with todays trends


Something needs to be done to the old Kmart - Need to add a business that Smithfield is lacking and that would bring more people in

Brightleaf BoulevardFlea markets do not make Smithfield a more desirable place to live and work, and also contribute to safety issues.

Market Street at Neuse River

This gateway needs improvement. One of the biggest opportunities for Smithfield, particularly as we embrace the Neuse River more.


Let’s redevelop the waterfront!

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MAPPING ELEMENT: LAND USE COMMENTS CONTINUED


Market Street at Pine Street

Extend downtown and good development out toward I-95. Put mixed use development (first floor retail/restaurant, upper floor housing for JCC students) on properties currently for sale on E. Market Street.


This entire area needs improving in appearance. Too many used car lots.

Market Street near Durwood Stephenson

Need more food options in West Smithfield area.

Market Street near Malta Street

Good area for a grocery store

Market Street near JCC Arboretum

These old buildings need to be demolished and this area needs to be improved. A nice steakhouse would be wonderful here.

Greenway Housing along the greenway

Talton Park dog park

Brightleaf Boulevard near Finney Drive

More restaurant variety needed near the South end of town

Buffalo Road

residential along buffalo road...at intersection of buffalo and US 70 commercial and O&I....commercial at intersection of buffalo and durwood stephenson highway....commercial south of town along the 301 corridor, residential along 1010 and 210 west...industrial along US 70 west corridor toward airport....commercial along us 70s east toward pine level...need small area plans at I95.US 70 and at Buffalo road/ US 70

West Smithfield E.S. West Smithfield is so far out, there needs to be some type of stores or more businesses closer to the school

Brogden Road We need more affordable houses and apartment complexes that are not just low income

Location unclear use some of these old buildings for a trampoline park

Market Street at Third Street

Would like to see this empty space behind the Library turned into a public parking lot.

Outlet Center DriveAdditional Development along Outlet Drive north of the outlets and in front of Global and US Lumber


Something should be done with the old Kmart

survey summary - smithfield, north carolina...1 survey summary introduction to ensure a broad range...

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