Smiths Grove Housing Development Plan Hits a Wall Again

Smiths Grove’s Housing Development Plan Hits a Wall Again

Smiths Grove is buzzing lately, and not just because of the new Buc-ee’s convenience store drawing in visitors from near and far! No, the latest buzz revolves around a proposed housing development that has instead found itself in a bit of a pickle—or should we say a deadlock? That’s right, for the second time, a big plan to bring a substantial number of houses to this growing community has not gotten the nod it needs.

What Happened?

At a recent City-County Planning Commission meeting held on November 21, 2024, members were faced with a rezoning proposal that would allow for approximately 100 single-family homes on a 34-acre lot along the bustling Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road. Sounds like a perfect spot, right? Especially with the friendly vibe and growth in the area! However, the vote ended up in a 2-2 stalemate.

It’s worth noting that this recent proposal by developer Paul Isenberg echoes a previous plan to develop nearly 200 homes in downtown Smiths Grove, which met the same fate. Developer Jeremy Riggs faced a tangled web of tie votes for his project along Hedge Street as well. The planning commission is tentatively scheduled to revisit Riggs’s proposal again on January 16, 2025, where hopefully, all five commissioners will be present to settle the matter.

Why the Push for More Houses?

Isenberg, a resident of Smiths Grove himself, hopped on the opportunity to buy this land earlier this year, envisioning a community of modest-sized homes with at least 1,250 square feet each. His proposal aims to tackle a significant issue in Warren County: housing affordability. Addressing the planning commission, attorney Mark Alcott emphasized that these homes would fall in the price range of about $200,000 to $250,000—quite a competitive price!

Yet, despite these attractive features, the local community had some reservations. Nearly 20 residents gathered at the meeting to voice their concerns.

Voices from the Community

One resident, Ronnie Wilson, expressed doubts about the density of the proposed development, suggesting that it might disrupt the community’s charm. “It looks to me like there are way too many houses per acre,” Wilson pointedly remarked. “Sure, we’re going to grow, but can we keep it nice?”

Others echoed similar sentiments, raising alarms about how the new homes might affect local traffic, infrastructure, and even emergency services like fire protection. “If you put this in, it’s going to decrease the value of my property,” warned another concerned resident, Donavon Carroll.

Concessions Made, Votes Still Split

Listening to these objections, Isenberg made some concessions in his proposal. He agreed to scale back the maximum number of homes to 100, promised to use more durable materials for the house facades, and included plans for attached garages rather than detached. Despite these changes, the planning commission remained split, with only commissioners Tim Graham and Amy Drane voting in favor, while the other two members stood against it.

The situation has left many in Smiths Grove with bated breath, wondering if this housing project will ever pass. Isenberg remains hopeful, stating, “I’m confident that it should go through… There’s a drastic need for this.”

What’s Next?

With the door still open, Isenberg’s application is likely to be revisited again in January, alongside the Riggs proposal. Meanwhile, another housing project from Habitat for Humanity faced its own set of challenges. Their application for 115 homes on Russellville Road was withdrawn due to some community pushback but might resurface in a different form at a later date.

In short, the eyes of Smiths Grove remain glued to these developments as residents and planners alike contemplate what the future holds for housing in their beloved community.