The Smithfield Planning Commission denied David Lillywhite’s request to build an extended stay hotel. The vote was 5 to 2 against. The property at 100 North and 400 West sits alongside the railroad tracks across from Forrester Acres. It’s zoned General Commercial and building a hotel or motel is an allowable use of the land. However, commissioners voting against it cited that it would be disruptive to the community and neighbors.

The council chambers were at capacity, rated at 33, with a police officer at the door to keep more people from entering. Several individuals were allowed to address the commission over the issue. No one spoke in support of the motel.

Because the commission denied the conditional use permit for the motel, Lillywhite can appeal the decision with the city council or he can take the issue to court. The commissioners voting against the CUP were David Price, Bryant McKay, Roger Douglas, Michael Paskett, and Richard Jewkes. Chairman Rik Vernon and Jamie Anderson voted not to deny the CUP.

In other business the commission verbally agreed with Mont Poulsen to redividing three lots into four. The one acre and two 12,500 square foot lots are on the north end of Hunter Meadows Subdivision. The idea is to redefine the lots into four equal 10,000 square feet plats. The owner of the land needs to present an updated plat design to the commission before it can receive official approval.

The commission also approved Merlin Humpherys’ request to have a small engine repair business at 475 North Main — the old Hansen Dairy. They set some stipulations including the number of hours he can operate, the number of employees, no outside storage after hours.