Question 3 - What is your plan for attracting developers for planned communities for all income levels?
Daniel Evans (Candidate for Mayor of Smithfield): The city currently has been working with many developers and have addressed some incentive based alternatives for building in the city (Infielding). We need to continue to promote these ideas as well as develop a collaborative effort to work together by targeting special use projects( planned developments) for certain target groups. For example: It is my opinion that we need a Senior Adult community development that could be located close to the SRAC facility and medical facility that would not only be upscale housing but also provide the services needed for this target group. In this community a developer could also equip the neighborhood with an activity center for an adult care facility during the day time to encourage security and safety in this target group. Creative development in special unit development makes for a great mix use in our community and will keep our family units in and active in our community. Like wise with the young professinal we need target community growth that is appealing for their special interest. Developing walking community based housing is not a new concept, in fact I believe it is actually a concept that Smithfield was founded on, Getting back to this concept will provide for new and community development in Smithfield New roof tops are very vital to Smithfield and I for one would love to have the community define the growth rather than not plan our community. For the developers I know, I think they would embrace this change and opprotunity.
Vic Ogburn (Candidate for Smithfield District 2 Councilman): Tax incentives to developers that are willing to come to this area and invest in housing for all income levels.
Charles A. Williams (Candidate for Smithfield District 2 Councilman): My plan for attracting developers for planned communities of all income levels would be seeking federal and state funding that creates incentives to build affordable housing, renovate existing homes and rental properties within the Town of Smithfield. This investment would create jobs, increase property values and improve community image in all neighborhoods of the town.
Tony Gupton (Candidate for Smithfield District 3 Councilman): To create a successful planned community, developers and planners must tap into the lifestyles and trends that the residents currently follow in their lifestyles, and they must plan according to the needs of the residents now and in the future. An in depth study and evaluation should be developed for concentrated planning for the needs of our elderly citizens regardless of but inviting to all levels of economic status. One method to incentivize developers for planned communities of all income levels is to adopt a Transfer of Development Rights with the purpose of providing flexibility and additional development density within the planned community. In exchange for additional resources needed to preserve open spaces and other space and lands, the mechanism for transferring these development rights is solely cash-based making it straightforward to implement and easy to use and understand. For business projects seeking additional development density, Transfer of Development Rights bylaw provides an elegant solution and an additional quantifiable economic incentive. More intensive or dense development within existing communities will reduce the need for development on the fringes. Revitalizing town centers, creating pedestrian- and transit-friendly environments, and guaranteeing affordable and mixed-type housing — are all strategies that promote sustainability and enhance quality of life within a community. With updated sustainable development, future generations will enjoy a sound environment and stable economy.
Perry Harris (Candidate for Smithfield District 3 Councilman): I will work for my fellow citizens to insure that developers that are interested in Smithfield or would be a good fit for Smithfield are given all the information needed to insure that they know the many good things about our community and the many positives that we have to offer them. Planned communities for all income levels can be a great addition to Smithfield.
Zach Crocker (Candidate for Smithfield District 4 Councilman): Affordable housing is important for everyone in our community. I think that a good way to attract developers is to make it easy for them to do business in the Smithfield/Selma area. Make sure water/sewer and other services are avalible or can be made avalible with a commitment to build or develop.
