Split Vote: Smithfield Halts Plans For Massive 1,147-Home Subdivision Near Wilson’s Mills

SMITHFIELD. — In front of a packed, standing-room-only crowd, the Smithfield Town Council on Tuesday night rejected a proposal to annex and rezone a 498-acre tract of land for the development of the massive Bellamy subdivision, a project that would have added 1,147 new homes to the town limits.

The council voted 5–2 to deny both the voluntary annexation request and the conditional rezoning application, citing concerns over traffic, density, infrastructure, and public safety. However, developers may still revise and resubmit the plan at a future date.

A Divisive Development Proposal
The proposed subdivision, which would be built in eight phases between 2028 and 2038, was slated for land at Wilson’s Mills Road and Lee-Youngblood Road, closer to the Wilson’s Mills town limits than to Smithfield’s center. The project called for 870 single-family homes and 277 townhomes, and was projected to add more than $409 million in taxable property value.

But that wasn’t enough to win over the public—or most of the council.

Public Opposition Overwhelms Support
Numerous residents spoke out against the development during two public hearings, raising concerns about traffic congestion, emergency response, and changing the character of the area.

Charles Brewer, whose home borders the property, said the annexation felt like Smithfield was “reaching farther and farther out” beyond its town limits.

Brett Renfrow, a 30-year Smithfield resident and retired Johnston County 911 director, criticized the proposal’s potential impact on public safety.

Since 2021, Smithfield has approved 4,041 new residential units. This will stretch first responders thin. Another 1,147 homes will jeopardize the town’s safety, he warned, urging council members to uphold their oaths to protect residents. “This isn’t right. It doesn’t make sense.”

Wilson’s Mills Assistant Fire Chief Marvin Dodd said the project directly affects their town and urged Smithfield leaders to “control the growth” and consider the development’s impact on neighboring communities.

Traffic, Density, and Zoning Concerns
A 2023 traffic study showed Wilson’s Mills Road currently carries about 2,800 in Wilson’s Mills to 3,200 vehicles per day in Smithfield, but the Bellamy development would add approximately 9,661 daily trips, pushing traffic close to the road’s maximum safe capacity of 15,000 vehicles per day, according to NCDOT standards.

The proposal also included at least a dozen variance requests from Smithfield’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). These included reducing:
– Side yard setbacks from 10 to 5 feet
– Minimum lot widths from 70 to 50 feet
– Minimum single-family lot size from 8,000 to 6,000 sq. ft.
– Townhome lot size from 4,500 to 2,200 sq. ft.
– Rear setbacks from 25 to 15 feet
– Public right-of-way widths from 60 to 50 feet

The Smithfield Planning Board previously recommended denial of the request, stating the development was not in harmony with the surrounding area and did not align with the town’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which designates the area for low-density residential. Smithfield Planning Director Stephen Wensman had recommended approval.

Fire Coverage, Agricultural Conflicts Raised
Wendy Oldham, planning director for the Town of Wilson’s Mills, told the council the proposed development would create serious jurisdictional and service delivery issues, particularly in fire protection. Although Bellamy would lie within Smithfield’s town limits, it would be served by the Wilson’s Mills Fire Department. In fact, 64 acres of the proposed development are already within Wilson’s Mills’ extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Oldham also addressed rumors that Wilson’s Mills had prior knowledge about the major residential development. “Wilson’s Mills was never told in advance about this project,” Oldham said. “We would not have taken this project. It’s agriculture for a reason.”

Andy Petesh, an attorney representing the Youngblood family, which operates a hog farm adjacent to the site, said future homeowners may face noise and odor complaints due to the proximity—just 200 feet in some cases—to the farm’s four hog houses. The potential rerouting of Lee-Youngblood Road could also push large agricultural trucks through residential streets within the development.

Council Split in Vote, But Developer May Return
Following public comments, Councilman Sloan Stevens moved to deny both the annexation and conditional rezoning requests, citing inconsistency with the town’s growth plan and surrounding land uses. Councilman Steve Rabil seconded. The motion passed 5–2, with Councilmen David Barbour and John Dunn voting against the denial. While they did not publicly state their reasoning, both appeared supportive of granting more time for the developer to address concerns.

Mayor Pro Tem Roger Wood, who also voted for denial, said he might reconsider the project if the number of homes were reduced and lot sizes increased.

There are currently no plans to bring a revised Bellamy proposal back to the town council. However, with significant financial and planning investments already made, residents and nearby property owners believe the debate is far from over.