Residential development will continue in the northern portion of Smithville over the next ten years. New development provides an opportunity to encourage new neighborhoods near existing ones, connect the area to greater Smithville with enhanced trails and recreational paths, and retail and preserve the rural character. During the July Task Force meeting, participants expressed a desire for single-family housing and more modest density infill developments through cluster developments.
“What characteristics are essential to preserve or promote in the Northern Residential character area over the next ten years?”
Task Force Survey Result
QUESTION: In the Northern Residential Character Area, what should the overall experience and feel be over the next ten years?
ANSWER: 71% of Task Force respondents want focused concentrated cluster development with a mix of housing, greenspace, and amenities. When asked what elements of cluster development would be most desirable in the Northern Residential Character Area, 80% of Task Force respondents would like to see shared recreational facilities, parks or communal gardens, shared public amenities, and natural, preserved spaces.
We would love to hear your thoughts!
Tell us what characteristics are essential to preserve or promote in this residential area over the next ten years.
Northern Residential Proposed Smithville Character Areas Map.
We moved out of the city because we didn’t want to be in a neighborhood. I enjoy looking at the corn fields across my street. I do not want a neighborhood to look at.
Moved here to be more rural not in a city landscape
I would love paved a walking/biking trail that goes along 188th Street to connect Eagle Parkway to the the Little Platte North paved trails. I would love to see a trail system along Eagle Parkway that connects each neighborhood all the way to downtown. Can you imagine families in the existing neighborhoods in the future biking into downtown on a weekend to pick get brunch/lunch/coffee/ice cream? Or to head to Heritage Park to watch youth sports? I can and it seems awesome. More green space and less housing than is indicated on this map would be better. Jamming up the route with more vehicular traffic seems less than ideal.
For an example of a fabulous development…look at Serenbe in Fulton County Georgia. It incorporates homes that integrate into natural surroundings, uses dedicated space for local agriculture/locavore, construction practices are green compatible. Not everything Serenbe has would work here…but the overall concept of preserving the rural feel on the north end… cluster, country atmosphere…a peaceful space is there. The north area is a “gateway” to the wilder parts of the Lake area. Particular attention to an appropriate transition should be a primary focus. People truly need Vitamin N. Nature. Not more cookie cutter subdivisions.