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Landowner petitions for Smithfield annexation -- under certain conditions By
Marie Griffin SMITHFIELD -- The City Council will consider a petition from Wesley Keller that his family property be annexed to Smithfield for residential use. Keller's property is between approximately 1000 East and 1400 East and from approximately 300 South to 600 South. Keller created his petition to explain that whether the city receives the property is contingent upon its being used for residential purposes, not agricultural or commercial. Debate at Thursday's City Council meeting centered on the idea that a resident shouldn't dictate to the city how the land should be used. City Manager James Gass said that, by letting his desires for annexation come to pass, Keller would be the one receiving a favor from Smithfield, not the other way around. "Frankly, the city probably doesn't care if he comes into the city," Gass said. The council was concerned about necessities for water, parks, and open space -- things Keller hadn't addressed in his petition. Also, there was concern that, if annexed, the property may not be able to be developed for a considerable length of time. "This council cannot make a commitment for planning and zoning development that might not happen for five or 10 years," Gass said. *The only guarantees are for the development happening right now." The council decided that it was safe to approve a motion to merely consider Keller's request, and that further input as to the city's necessities could be added later. Council members noted that the issue is in its early stages at this point and that there will definitely be a need for input from the public soon.
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