2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

2012 Comprehensive Plan Town of Smithville, Mississippi

Gregg Kennedy, Mayor

Board of Aldermen: Planning Commission: Johnny Snow, Deputy Mayor Jill Dabbs Ruth Whitehead Renee Seales Joyce Avery Vicki Simmons Hansel Hood Carol Herren Jimmy Dabbs W. D. Holcomb J. W. Vann

Town Clerk: Ann Seales Earl Wayne Cowley

Funded by: Appalachian Regional Council

Plan Developed by:

Table of Contents

Chapters and Sections Page Chapter One: Introduction and Community Profile 1 Section 1 Purpose 1 Section 2 Authority 1 Section 3 Location of Smithville and Study Area 2 Section 4 History of Smithville and Monroe County 2 Section 5 Planning Process 3 Section 6 Integration of other Plans, Studies and Surveys 3 Section 7 Sustainable Redevelopment in Smithville 4 Section 8 Population and Housing 5 Section 9 Recent Development 6 Section 10 Other Demographic Information 6 Section 11 Plan Organization 6 Chapter Two: Goals and Objective 7 Section 1 General Description 7 Section 2 Land Use and Development 8 Section 3 Transportation--Streets, Multi-Use Trails and Sidewalks 10 Section 4 Community Services and Facilities 11 Section 5 Recreational Facilities 12 Chapter Three: Land Use and Development 13 Section 1 General Description 13 Section 2 Prior and Existing Uses of Land 13 Section 3 Residential Issues and Opportunities 17 Section 4 Commercial Issues and Opportunities 18

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Table of Contents

Section 5 Recreational/Open Space Issues and Opportunities 19 Section 6 Economic Development and Future Growth 20 Section 7 Future Land Use Plan 22 Section 8 Description of Future Land Use Categories 23 Chapter Four: Transportation 31 Section 1 General 31 Section 2 Functional Classification of Roadways 31 Section 3 Performance Criteria 32 Section 4 Existing and Proposed Street System in Smithville 32 Section 5 The Four “Cs”—Coordination, Connectivity, Complete 34 Streets and Traffic Calming Section 6 Transportation Issues and Opportunities 36 Chapter Five: Community Facilities and Services 41 Section 1 General Description 41 Section 2 Water System 41 Section 3 Sanitary Sewer System 42 Section 4 Stormwater Management System 42 Section 5 Solid Waste and Recycling 45 Section 6 Communications Facilities 45 Section 7 Municipal Offices 46 Section 8 Smithville Volunteer Fire Department 46 Section 9 Police Department 46 Section 10 Schools and Educational Facilities 46 Section 11 Parks and Recreation Facilities 48

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Table of Contents

Chapters and Sections Page Section 12 Health and Medical Facilities 48 Section 13 Community Center and Church Related Facilities 49 Section 14 Community Services and Facilities Issues and 49 Opportunities

Acknowledgements and Sources 52

Tables Table No. 1 Demographic Characteristics 5 Table No. 2 Comparison of Future Land Use Plan and Zoning 22 Ordinance Table No. 3 Recap of Land Use and Development Action and 29 Projects Table No. 4 Roadway and Pavement Widths 31 Table No. 5 Recap of Transportation Actions and Projects 40 Table No. 6 Recap of Community Facilities Actions and Projects 51 Maps Map No. 1 Pre-Tornado Existing Land Use Map 15 Map No. 2 Existing Land Use Map 16 Map No. 3 Proposed Annexation Map 21 Map No. 4 Future Land Use Map 24 Map No. 5 Functional Classification Map 33 Map No. 6 Multi-Use Trails and Pedestrian Infrastructure Map 39 Map No. 7 Water Infrastructure Map 43 Map No. 8: Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Map 44

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Chapter One: Introduction and Community Profile

Section 1: Purpose

The purpose of the Town of Smithville Mississippi Code of 1972 —Section 17-1-1 Definitions Comprehensive Plan is to establish long- "Comprehensive plan," a statement of public policy for the physical development of the entire range policies and goals that guide overall municipality or county adopted by resolution of the governing body, consisting of the following physical growth and future development in a elements at a minimum: coordinated and unified manner. As a In addition, all land development regulations enacted or amended will be consistent with the statement of long-range general policies, the plan. Land development regulations existing at the time of adoption of the plan which are not plan expresses Smithville’s desire to affect consistent with the 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update will be amended so as to be consistent. the physical form of its destiny in order to i. Goals and objectives for the long-range [twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) years] preserve, promote, protect and improve the development of the county or municipality. Required goals and objectives shall address, at a minimum, residential, commercial and industrial development; parks, open space and public health, safety, comfort, good order recreation; street or road improvements; public schools and community facilities. and appearance within its jurisdiction. ii. A land use plan which designates, in map or policy form, the proposed general distribution Long-range planning in Smithville is in large and extent of the uses of land for residences, commerce, industry, recreation and open space, public/quasi-public facilities and lands. Background information shall be provided measure a result of the F-5 tornado that concerning the specific meaning of land use categories depicted in the plan in terms of the occurred on April 27, 2011, causing a following: residential densities; intensity of commercial uses; industrial and public/quasi- significant loss of life and destroying the public uses; and any other information needed to adequately define the meaning of such downtown commercial area and over 100 land use codes. Projections of population and economic growth for the area encompassed by the plan may be the basis for ­zoning. homes. The resilient residents of Smithville iii. A transportation plan depicting in map form the proposed functional classifications for all initiated action that would help them rebuild existing and proposed streets, roads and highways for the area encompassed by the land use and improve their town including plan and for the same time period as that covered by the land use plan. Functional preparation of this plan. Planning efforts classifications shall consist of arterial, collector and local streets, roads and highways, and prior to the Comprehensive Plan are itemized these classifications shall be defined on the plan as to minimum right-of-way and surface width requirements; these requirements shall be based upon traffic projections. All other in Section 6 on Page 3. forms of transportation pertinent to the local jurisdiction shall be addressed as appropriate. The transportation plan shall be a basis for a capital improvements program. Section 2: Authority iv. A community facilities plan as a basis for a capital improvements program including, but not limited to, the following: housing; schools; parks and recreation; public buildings and The Town of Smithville exercises authority facilities; and utilities and drainage. granted by the state under Title 17, Chapter

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1, of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as Section 4: History of Monroe County was separated from the amended, for the total incorporated area Smithville and Monroe County remainder of the state by Chickasaw and under its jurisdiction, in the The Smithville community began on Choctaw territories from Cotton Gin Port interpretation, administration and December 3, 1836, when Col Chubby, a (an early settlement) to Walnut Hills evaluation of the comprehensive plan. Chickasaw Indian who also co-signed the (Vicksburg). Prior to the formation of Consistent with Title 17, Chapter 1, all Treaty of Pontotoc, sold Section 6, the county the Chickasaws ceded their land development within the Township 12S, Range 9E to James D. lands to the Federal government and a incorporated area of Smithville will be Couch. Four years later William Smith few years later, the first white settlement consistent with the adopted purchased land at this site and built a in the county formed across the comprehensive plan. log house and store. The nearby Tombigbee River from a Chickasaw village which was located on the hill Section 3: Location of Tombigbee River was the major above a 1736 French fort. The new Smithville and Study Area transportation and communication route and the Smithville Landing made the community became known as Cotton Gin Smithville, Mississippi, is located in the river accessible to settlers in the area. Port, which is now extinct. In the early extreme northern-central region of 1830’s the legislature added all of the Monroe County which is located in The Town of Smithville was chartered in Chickasaw territories making Monroe northeast Mississippi. The county 1845 and a post office was opened on County the largest in the state at that borders Alabama on the east, Itawamba the site on June 8th of that year. time. and Lee Counties on the north, Lowndes Smithville and Aberdeen are the only County on the south, and Chickasaw surviving antebellum municipalities in County on the west. Smithville is Monroe County. approximately seven miles north of Monroe County, named for President Amory, Mississippi, and approximately James Monroe, was the first county in 15 miles south of Fulton, Mississippi, north Mississippi and one of the oldest the home of Itawamba Community of Mississippi’s 82 counties. It was College. It is 35 miles southeast of formed in 1821 and was originally Tupelo, Mississippi, an important trade described as “all that territory east of the center in Northeast Mississippi. Tombigbee River to the Alabama line State Highway 25 runs through the heart and south to Gaines Trace.” Gaines of the town and the Tennessee- Trace was a primitive path established to

Tombigbee Waterway travels provide a transportation route from immediately to the north of the town. Tennessee to Mississippi. At that time,

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Section 5: Planning Process Section 6: Integration of other The comprehensive planning process Plans, Studies and Surveys began in early 2012 when the Planning The recommendations of the Team met with community leaders, staff Comprehensive Plan were greatly and members of the Long Range influenced by the results of prior Community Recovery Plan committees. planning documents, public meetings, Subsequent interviews and sessions committee recommendations, public were conducted with the Mayor, Board participation events and urban design of Aldermen, Planning Commission activities. Several of these are itemized members, staff and department heads below: City Engineer and Building Inspector.  Long-Range Community Recovery Upon completion of the Comprehensive P l a n — ESF#14: Long Term Plan, a public hearing was held by the Community Recovery (LTCR) Planning Commission and subsequently coordinated through the Federal by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Emergency Management Agency In February 2012, the Planning Team (2011). conducted a one-day Design Charrette,  Carl Small Town Center, Mississippi presenting ideas for the downtown area State University: Design for and housing. municipal complex and streetscape Field surveys and studies were plan for Mississippi Highway 25 in conducted to determine the existing use downtown Smithville (Fall 2011). of land and development patterns. A  Design Open House (July 21). Future Land Map was created to help guide future development efforts.  John C Stennis Institute of Historic State Map Showing Gaines Trace Government: Community Needs The plan was written in conjunction of Assessment (March 2012). the creation of Smithville’s first zoning and subdivision ordinance which is a  Branding Exercise: Creation of a part of the proposed Land Development town logo/slogan to help identify Ordinance. the vision of the community (May 2012).

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Section 7: Sustainable "one-size-fits-all" method but successful Smart Growth Principles Redevelopment in Smithville smart growth communities have one  Mix land uses thing in common—a vision of where The Town of Smithville acknowledges  Take advantage of compact they want to go and the things they building design that appropriate, thoughtful community value in their community. planning will help preserve the way of  Create a range of housing life that has made it desirable for opportunities and choices One goal of this comprehensive plan is families, youth and seniors. It will also  Create walkable to identify suitable methods whereby neighborhoods provide a framework for future growth Smithville can utilize smart growth  Foster distinctive, attractive that will be attractive and livable. Many principles for the betterment of their communities with a strong community. of the goals identified during the sense of place planning process can be achieved using  Preserve open space, Rural Smart Growth town planning trends that have emerged farmland, natural beauty, and In recent years, smart growth goals have during the past two decades. critical environmental areas  Strengthen and direct been developed specifically for rural Back to the Future development toward existing communities. They are: communities Town planning has learned valuable  Support the rural landscape by  Provide a variety of lessons from historic growth patterns transportation choices creating an economic climate that of towns formed in the mid-to-late  Make development decisions enhances the viability of working 1800s and early 1900s. These towns predictable, fair and cost land and conserves natural lands. were focused on creating communities effective  Help existing places thrive by taking that could stand the test of time. This  Encourage community and care of assets and investments such plan utilizes many of these principles stakeholder collaboration in as downtowns, existing and standards whenever appropriate. development decisions infrastructure, and places the Smart Growth community and vitality to center cities community values. and older suburbs while preserving open The Smart Growth concept has emerged space and encouraging sustainable  Create great new places by building as the “gold-standard” for sustainability. development on the fringes of urban vibrant, enduring neighborhoods It has been endorsed by numerous areas. Smart growth is pedestrian and communities that people, federal and state agencies as well as oriented and has a greater mix of especially young people, don’t want local communities. housing, commercial and retail uses. It to leave. In general, smart growth invests time, also encourages the preservation of attention, and resources in restoring environmental amenities. There is no

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Section 8: Population and Housing Monroe County Population Population growth trends for Monroe County indicate a slow increase between Trends 1970 and 2000 with a net gain of 4,051 39,000 persons. The county experienced a loss of 38,000 2.7% or 1,105 persons between 2000 and 37,000 2010. Census population counts for the 36,000 county are shown in the adjacent graph. 35,000 Due to the relatively small area within the 34,000 town limits (1.6 square miles), population 33,000 has been stable. In the aftermath of the 32,000 tornado, the town has experienced a sharp 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 population decrease from the 942 count during Census 2010 as residents sought housing in other areas. The population is Table No. 1: Demographic Characteristics, 2010 expected to rebound slowly in years to Smithville Monroe County MS come. Re-population will depend greatly Total Population 942 36,989 2,967,297 on land and housing availability. % Male 47.2 49.6 49.1 % Female 52.8 50.4 50.9 A recent informal survey by the town on % 18 years and over 76.5 73.2 74.3 June 8, 2012, indicates a count of 315 % 65 years and over 5.8 15.1 12.2 housing units which is 74% of the 428 Median Age 38.7 ND ND units counted during the 2010 census. % White 96.0 67.7 59.1 This means approximately 113 housing % Black or African American 1.7 30.9 37.0 % Hispanic or Latino (of any race) units were lost most likely due to tornado 2.9 1.4 3.9 Total Households 382 14,725 1,081,052 damage. Average Household Size 2.47 2.52 2.64 The percent of owner-occupied housing Median household income *39,643 *34,267 37,881 units is 67% and lower than that of Monroe Per Capita Income *16,710 *18,160 $19,977 County which is 78%. The predominant Median Family Income *54,750 *42,031 47,031 type of housing in Smithville are single- Total Housing Units 428 16,455 1,274,719 family detached dwellings. % Owner Occupied Housing Units 67.0 78.8% 70.8% Sources: U. S. Census Bureau; Appalachian Regional Council *American Community Survey, 2008 - 2010

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Section 9: Recent Effect of Tornado on Structures and Businesses Development Housing School In order to better control the quality of 2010 Census indicates 428 housing units. On The Smithville High School was completely future development the Town adopted June 8, 2012, there are 315 housing units. destroyed. the 2006 International Building Code 26% were destroyed Municipal Buildings (IBC) on May 24, 2011, and subsequently Churches contracted with a consulting firm to Pre-tornado structures housed the Town Hall, provide building inspection services. Four of the five churches or 80% were Police Department, Fire Department and destroyed. Water Department. Three of the four or 75% Section 10: Other were completely destroyed. Demographic Information Business

The median household income for There were 43 businesses at the time the Smithville residents is $39,643 tornado struck. At this time, 22 of the 32 are according to the American Community still in Smithville or have reopened. This is a Survey, 2008—2010. This is slightly loss of 51%. higher than the county and the state. Source: Town of Smithville, June 2012 Medium family income is $54,750 substantially higher than the county Section 11: Plan Organization Issues and opportunities as they relate medium family income of $42,031. to the chapters are included as are The Comprehensive plan contains five recommendations and alternatives for According to information obtained from chapters each of which deals with long-term solutions and growth. the Town, there were 43 businesses specific elements required by State located in Smithville at the time the Statute. They are: tornado struck. As of June, 2012, 22  Chapter Two—Goals and Objectives. businesses have either re-opened or were not affected by the disaster. This  Chapter Three—Land Use and represents a 51% loss of businesses. Development.

 Chapter Four—Transportation.

 Chapter Five—Community Facilities and Services.

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Chapter Two: Goals and Objectives

Section 1: General Description Vision Statements Goals and objectives set forth guiding “Create a positive environment for “Create a community that is full of life, principles that should be used in public recovery and development.” well-designed and safe. It has family- and private decision-making and in “(Facilitate) processes necessary to oriented Christian values, is a good resolving community issues. They also ensure that the Smithville economy place to raise children and serves the can serve as benchmarks for progress. returns to a healthy and vibrant needs of older residents.” Goals are general statements that environment for all Smithville “Smithville School (will be) a high describe an overall view or vision of residents.” “ performing (school) with accessible what the community wants for its “(Create) a community with hometown technology and enrichment activities future. Objectives further define what charm and big opportunities.” for all students, where every child the community hopes to achieve as a learns to his or her maximum ability “Create a community that is full of life, result of implementation. Obviously and whose graduates confidently well-designed and safe. It has family- short- and long-term actions will be compete in college.” oriented Christian values, is a good needed to implement the goals and place to raise children and serves the objectives as will the cooperation and needs of older residents.” funding by many entities and individuals.

Throughout the recovery process, the community participated in numerous events and processes that helped define their vision for Smithville. These formed the basis for the goals, objectives and implementation actions in this plan.

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Section 2: Land Use and Development

Objectives:  Plan for future development that reflects Goal: smart growth principles, and current land  Encourage and facilitate the type of use planning trends. development desired by citizens. All Land Use and  Establish rules for orderly construction Development  Create and adopt a future land use plan and placement of structures and a that that is achievable and agreeable to standard for attractive architectural Guide land development so citizens and property owners. character. that Smithville continues to  Allocate sufficient land mass for all types  Insure safe construction of buildings for be a town of neighborhoods of uses desired. the safety and welfare of the public. and commercial areas that  Integrate plans for efficient circulation of  Encourage appropriate infill development complement one another cars and people between different types in order to utilize existing infrastructure of uses. and provide for an and to perpetuate Smithville’s small town character. attractive and livable  Identify areas where recreational and open spaces areas are needed to enhance community.  Determine growth areas contiguous to the other land uses. town for future development.

Goal: Objectives :  Identify locations for garden or patio homes and retiree communities to meet  Recognize and respect the scale and type the desire for attractive, low-maintenance Residential Land Use of existing development as new housing is housing with convenient access to built. and Development businesses and community services.  Improve standards and housing stock of Protect and enhance the  Create neighborhoods with creative site older residential areas when needed. integrity of residential areas layout, open space, pedestrian facilities  Encourage the development of and connectivity to adjacent residential and promote the independent-living and assisted-living areas and shopping areas. construction of high quality centers to provide more housing options  Provide adequate buffers between for elderly residents. housing in a range of industrial or commercial uses and housing types, prices and residential uses. densities.

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Objectives:  Integrate landscaping, sign and limited building design standards into Goals:  Make downtown Smithville a beautiful and development ordinances. Commercial Land Use unique destination that is a backdrop for a and Development more pleasant, safe and comfortable place  Designate a specific area for a mixture of to shop, eat and conduct business. small-scale commercial and residential Strengthen existing development. commercial and industrial  Provide a guide for commercial locations with quality development that will help replicate the  Prevent inappropriate commercial intrusion development that provides historic patterns of commercial areas that into existing residential neighborhoods. were destroyed. desired goods and services  Encourage interesting and unique shopping  Establish standards for commercial venues such as farmers market, coffee Industrial Land Use and development that will discourage shops and antique stores. unattractive strip centers, underutilized Development  Create a structure of financial incentives to parking lots, and unsightly buildings. Foster industrial and job encourage development. development

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Section 3: Transportation--Streets, Multi-Use Trails and Sidewalks

Objectives:  Help visitors to the community find their destination.  Connect streets for the convenience of Goals: residents and to lessen traffic on major  Provide pedestrian facilities for recreation Maintain a safe, efficient thoroughfares. and connectivity between areas. and convenient network of  Enhance the business potential for streets, bicycle paths and  Maintain and upgrade existing streets and roads as needed. businesses and the tax base for the town. sidewalks to provide a range of transportation  Provide for safety of pedestrians and  Create a strong pedestrian/bike connection options for residents and vehicles with lighting along public streets from residential areas and the town center visitors. and sidewalks. to the new proposed recreational.

Utilize the widening of Highway 25 as an opportunity to provide for street amenities such as improved lighting, wider sidewalks, landscaping and a boulevard.

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Section 4: Community Services and Facilities

Objectives:  Support installation of city-wide wireless Goals: services for residents and businesses.  Upgrade water, sewer, fire hydrants, improve water pressure and other public  Continue support of Smithville School Provide water, wastewater and private utilities in older areas, facilities, innovative curriculum and and stormwater facilities especially downtown and adjoining community outreach programs. that will allow the neighborhoods. community to grow and  Utilize sustainable stormwater methods to prosper.  Continue maintenance and repair on retain runoff on site and lessen the existing facilities. reliance on structural methods.

 Provide needed buildings, equipment and  Create a multi-purpose community center Provide excellent services staffing to meet the needs of the with meeting rooms and areas for classes, and civic facilities that will Volunteer Fire Department and the Police social events, health and wellness training Department. meet the needs of and planned activities. government and residents.

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Section 5: Recreational Facilities

Objectives  Provide outdoor meeting areas with permanent structures such as stage or  Provide active and passive recreational Goal: gazebo that can be used for community facilities for all ages. events and celebrations.  Create a new recreational area along the Provide a variety of parks  Preserve the small-town nature of Tenn-Tom Waterway. and recreation facilities Smithville.  Maintain and improve existing facilities as  Preserve and enhance the scenic beauty of throughout the town needed. designed to meet the of the town and wildlife habitats. needs of all age groups and activity levels; preserve scenic areas and open spaces that enhance the visual and natural environment.

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Chapter 3: Land Use and Development

Section 1: General Description categories of residential land use are show on the prior and existing land use The land use element of the maps: Comprehensive is a study of existing  Single-Family: Designed for and proposed uses of land that will occupancy by one family and the protect low intensity uses such as predominant type of residential use residential while allowing sufficient in the town. development opportunities and sound economic policies for the Town.  Multiple-Family: Defined as “residential uses containing three or Section 2: Prior and Existing more attached dwelling units” and Uses of Land often called apartments. There are each separate unit built to allow three multi-family uses in Smithville, A study was conducted to identify private entrances, yards and other two being adjacent to one another previous use of land prior to the tornado accommodations found in a typical and located very close to Highway 25 and current uses of land. The maps on home. Two-family or attached single and the third on Parkview Drive. Two the Pages 15-16 illustrate uses prior to family homes may be built on one lot of the three are designed for use by the tornado and existing land use as of or two lots and are sometimes senior citizens. April 28, 2012, respectively. Larger referred to as a “duplex.” There are tracts of vacant land shown on the map There are two other types of residential very few attached single family on Page 16 indicates land that may be uses in Smithville that are scattered and homes in Smithville. available for development. not shown as a separate category: Commercial Areas Residential Areas  Mobile or Manufactured Homes: This category includes all types of Scattered manufactured and mobile Residential land use is the predominant business uses such as retail stores, homes are located on single-family land use in the Town of Smithville. Much professional offices, and medical clinics. lots in existing neighborhoods. of the existing residential development All commercial areas are located on or is low-density, with individual parcel  Single-Family (Attached) or Two- close to state highways. sizes ranging from 2,500 square feet up Family Homes: Single-family units to several acres in size. The following may be attached one to another with

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School Manufacturing/Light Industrial The pre-tornado Land Use Map shows The Monroe County Industrial park and the permanent location of the Smithville Townhouse Furniture plant on Highway K-12 school campus. The existing land 25. use map indicates the temporary Timber location of the in the industrial park. Prior Use Map indicates where timbered Town of Smithville (Offices) areas were located. Town Hall, Police Department, Fire Agriculture Department, Public Works and Areas where agriculture was/is the Community Center. Shown on Existing Land Use map as they are currently primary use. located. Army Corps of Engineers

Town of Smithville (Utilities) Land Owned by the Corp of Engineers.

Sanitary Sewer Lagoon and maintenance Undeveloped/Uncommitted building. May be considered for development in Town of Smithville (Parks) the future.

Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities. Vacant

Church The Existing Land Use map shows larger tracts of land Shown as previously located and current and lots in new home areas locations. that are now vacant to Cemetery indicate where land is available for development. The town cemetery is an important landmark for the community and the number of graves indicate the longevity of the town. The central location helps anchor the town center.

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Insert Pre-Tornado Land Use Map

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Insert ELU Map

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Section 3: Residential Issues setbacks of surrounding housing styles. and Opportunities  North of Highway 25: The area Issue: Limited Housing Products hardest hit by the tornado lies Alternative Housing Products between Highway 25 on the south The traditional single-family detached One of the goals of the community is to and Market Street and Monroe Street house on single lots is still the most facilitate a broader range of housing on the north. Most of the area is popular type of housing in this area. densities and styles that are more vacant and ready for redevelopment. Young families with children, those who consistent with current building trends The existing grid pattern streets enjoy gardening or desire privacy, prefer and the desires of homebuyers. provide a perfect framework for this housing product. This housing traditional housing on smaller lots.  Single-Family Homes on Smaller product will continue to be the Recreational, retail, public, churches lots: The housing market has seen prevailing type of housing in Smithville, and medical offices are within an increase in demand for this type but other types of housing units may be walking distance. A variety of of housing especially for retirees and needed to better meet the needs of all housing styles is preferred with young professionals. Persons who ages and types of household. residences placed closer to the street want to own a home but don’t wish Opportunity: More Housing than the typical suburban to spend time on yard maintenance Choices development style. drives this market demand.

Smithville is surrounded by relatively low  West End of Town: Vacant land not  Independent–living and Assisted- density residential uses, agricultural, yet subdivided is likely to contain living Housing: There is a definite and vacant land. Although Monroe low density housing on larger lots in need for this type of housing County has shown negative growth future years. Developers of these particularly for those who were during the past decade, there is still a properties should consider creating a displaced from their homes and need demand for housing to accommodate development with moderate size lots a certain style of housing or care. families and homeowners transferring and open space or park land for use

into the community, retiring or returning by the entire neighborhood. to their home county. Residential  Existing Residential Areas: Existing Section 4: Commercial Issues development is expected to occur on vacant lots or those with houses to and Opportunities several large tracts of land adjacent to be demolished present an the town. Smaller new and infill Through public meetings and surveys, opportunity for infill development. residential developments are planned Smithville residents identified basic New housing should emulate the within the existing town limits. commercial uses they want to return to scale, building orientation and the community. Most frequently named

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were the grocery store, hardware store, restaurants, and medical clinic. They also expressed a desire for a greater variety of commercial uses, such as daycare facilities, ice cream and coffee shops, fitness center, and cafes with snack bars.

While demographics and market forces guide the type and variety of businesses that will locate to an area, the town can assist economic development and commercial redevelopment by recognizing opportunities for new types of development and working in conjunction with property owners and developers to create unique commercial areas. They can also help plan and provide needed infrastructure to serve commercial users.

Opportunity: Restore Historic Character

Most of the unique buildings and landmarks that defined Smithville’s downtown have been destroyed; however, the town now has an opportunity to replicate the character and style of a typical small town as new commercial development occurs. Property owners and the town officials should work together to devise a cohesive design plan for buildings and parking areas including provision for new landmarks that will become as recognizable as the historic Oshkosh, B’Gosh sign, hardware sign, gazebo and historic buildings, now gone.

It is vitally important for the town to recognize this opportunity and have a realistic plan for commercial development that will make Smithville distinctive and memorable. Unplanned commercial development will likely not become a cohesive “downtown” but will be similar to all other suburban type Section 5: Recreational/Open Space Issues and development. Strip centers, metal buildings, visual clutter of Opportunities large signs and massive parking lots are now recognized as Recreational events help bring the community together in unsightly and destructive to town character and should be Smithville. The Johnny “Hoss” Noe Memorial Sportsplex located discouraged. on Market Street is a new facility providing multiple fields for

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outdoor ballpark activities and quality recreational and outdoor viewing and park areas for spectators. activities. A neighborhood park with playground Opportunity: Create equipment is located on the south side Pocket Parks of Highway 25, adjacent to the Vacant lots or parcels can community center and the “Lady Noles” be transitioned into pocket softball field. The softball field was parks that will provide donated to the Monroe County School beauty and functionality to District and serves as home field. existing neighborhoods The residents of Smithville desire and commercial areas. New additional recreational facilities for all residential neighborhoods age groups and activity levels to should contain an “open include: activities for seniors, space area” that can be neighborhood parks, and playgrounds. used by everyone in that neighborhood. This type of Opportunity: Connect businesses and parking areas will help development adds immense value to Recreational Facilities and Parks keep Smithville a fresh and green development. Connected green areas are highly community. Opportunity: Preserve and Create Smithville should integrate Green Green Infrastructure Infrastructure principles into all aspects Green infrastructure is more than of development including new landscaping although this is a good subdivisions. start. Best Management Practices for efficient management of stormwater includes on-site natural drainage in the form of vegetated swales, rain gardens and similar facilities that encourage rapid absorption of rainwater and help desirable and are one of the best ways alleviate the need to pipe or store to provide a repetitive feature. A linear rainwater elsewhere. park or greenbelt should be considered Preservation of existing vegetation and that provides an opportunity for introducing landscaping around

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Section 6: Economic Issue: Underutilized Land and Development and Future Buildings Growth As previously discussed, the original Issue & Opportunity: Limited Land downtown area and land north of Mass Highway 25 is now vacant and ready for Smithville has very limited areas for new re-development. residential development. In some cases, Opportunity: Assist Property new houses are being constructed on two or more lots which further reduces Owners to Market Land land availability. Most people who Most of the vacant land does not contain choose rural areas for homes prefer “For Sale” signs and future use of this large lots or farms. Residential housing land is in question. The town should drives the demand for goods and contact property owners and assemble a services and this increased demand list of lots, property owners and/or real would enable Smithville to revitalize its estate brokers for distribution to commercial core. persons interested in building. In future years, the town will need to Opportunity: Adapt Buildings for address this issue by looking beyond its New Uses existing city limits. Adjacent areas have been identified that will be in the growth Many older buildings can be successfully pattern of the town and are shown on adapted for other uses, especially mixed the Proposed Annexation Map on Page use development. The architectural 21. attributes of older buildings such as windows, high ceilings, brick exterior Criteria for successful annexation of and the large footprint make them land has been established by case law in desirable. the State of Mississippi and should be used to help determine the appropriate Most buildings including Townhouse time to initiate action. There are several Furnishings offers excellent parking benefits that should accrue to property facilities and direct access to Highways. owners in annexation areas such as increased safety and fire protection.

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Insert Annexation Map

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Section 7: Future Land Use Table No. 2: Comparison of Future Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance Plan Comprehensive Plan Zoning Ordinance and Map

The Future Land Use Plan and map Provides guidance to future policy Provides specific regulations that are the describes and displays graphically Does not dictate the use of land or Dictates the permitted use of land and where different types of land uses related decisions, but gives a broad gives other restrictions on setbacks, should be located. any of the categories general vision. height, and size. on the map are identical to those shown Describes conditions desired in the long on the Pre-Tornado and Existing Land -term future, not necessarily in the Dictates what is allowed today. Use Maps but this map is more detailed. immediate future. Several factors were considered in Includes recommendations that involve Deals with development issues under many different entities, agencies and preparing a plan for the future land use direct City control. groups of people. of the city including:

 Existing and prior use. Contains generalized land use Shows specific zoning districts and

 Intensity and density of proposed Source: Neel-Schaffer, Inc. uses. and public improvements. The Planning  Redevelopment opportunities. Commission and governing body should  Accessibility of transportation use the Future Land Use Plan to help routes. determine the appropriateness of future development proposals. Although  Location in relation to surrounding specific property boundaries are shown, uses. these should be considered somewhat The town played a vital role in fluid and may change by action of the identifying desired land uses, how much governing authority. Table No. 2 land should be devoted to each describes the distinction between the category, and where land uses could be Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map. located to bring the most value to the The Future Land Use Map for Smithville community. is found on Page 24 and descriptions of The Future Land Use plan forms the the categories are further described in basis for zoning and subdivision of land this section.

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Section 8: Description of Medium Density Residential Future Land Use Categories Land that has or will have smaller lots and/or a mixture of housing styles Forested, Agricultural or Conservation most of which are single family detached homes. Some residential Undeveloped land that is currently areas may include a very limited forested, used for agriculture or livestock number of two-family attached homes. and land that will most likely be Gross Density: Between four (4) and six conserved as natural areas are included (6) housing units per acre. in this category. Army Corps of Engineers Forested, Agricultural, Open and Land owned and controlled by the Army Corp of Engineers: Corps of Engineers which is adjacent to  Large areas of undeveloped land the Tennessee–Tombigbee waterway. with natural vegetation that Recreation and Parks provides pervious areas for drainage. Land currently being used for active or passive recreational activities such as  Serves as a natural screen between parks, playgrounds, soccer fields and land uses. baseball or softball parks. The proposed  Wetlands and natural vegetation marina outside of the existing city limits areas. is not shown, but can be added when Recreation and Parks: land is acquired.  Usable, well-constructed facilities Low Density Residential that provide a variety of outdoor sports and recreational Land that currently has or will have the opportunities for all ages. lowest density residential uses, primarily single-family, detached dwellings.  Neighborhood parks that serve Average Density: Between two (2) and residents in surrounding residential Four (4) housing units per acre. areas.  Connected trails and pedestrian facilities.  Sufficient off-street parking.

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Insert Future Land Use Map

Smithville, Mississippi Page 24 Comprehensive Plan

Low-Density Residential: Medium-Density Residential:  Suburban-style, single-family detached residences  Historic lot layout with grid pattern streets. with large front and rear yards.  Smaller lot sizes than most low-density residential areas.  Curvilinear streets and/or cul-de sacs.  Detached or attached single-family homes.  Large lot residential and agricultural land uses are included in this category .

Example Low-Density Development Example Medium Density Development

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High Density Residential Commercial Existing multi-family units or assisted liv- The commercial area is primarily ing facilities. Average density 10 to 15 located adjacent to U.S. Highway 25. dwelling units per acre. where the higher volume of regional traffic provides visibility and where businesses are accessibly by delivery trucks and commercial vehicles. Land uses that should be allowed in this area include small retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, hardware stores, discount stores, service stations, medical facilities and professional services. MDOTs plans to widen Highway 25 in Community Commercial: the future will present a design  Well-designed buildings that relate to challenge in order for the highway to one another in height and setbacks. not “divide” commercial uses on the north and south sides. Conceptual  Attractive streetscape with trees, design options for widening Highway 25 lighting, and seasonal landscaping. may be found in the Long Range  Sidewalks and/or multi-use trails. Community Recovery Plan.  Screened outdoor storage.  Screened dumpsters and equipment High Density Residential: areas.  Dense land uses with adequate  Shared and connected parking areas spacing between buildings. for convenience of customers.  Open spaces, playgrounds and clubhouses may be a part of these developments.  On-site parking.  Some apartments may be a part of a mixed use building.

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Commercial Town Center Town Center Commercial: This area has been created to  Buildings constructed either to the complement the Town Hall and other front property line or with narrow existing or proposed public and quasi- front set-back from sidewalks. public uses. It is located in an area with  Grassed and landscaped front yards small lots and connected streets, (if buildings are not built to providing an opportunity for small scale sidewalk). businesses to be situated close together  Parking areas either on-street or in and close to the street. Land uses that the rear or side of the building. are consistent with the special character  Shared common walls with adjacent and needs of a small downtown area buildings if desired. should be allowed in the Commercial  A mixture of land uses, including Town Center. Examples include certain residential uses and an specialty retail, restaurants, limited overall higher density of residential, outdoor patios or pocket development. parks, community center, Chamber of  Access by major local streets behind Commerce, library and any other facility stores for safety of pedestrians and that enhances the Town Hall. Large vehicles and circulation between scale strip centers or big box uses are neighboring properties. not appropriate for this area.

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Light Industrial

The Monroe County Industrial Park and the Townhouse Furniture building on Hwy 25 Characteristics are the only industrial area recognized in the plan. This is a sufficient area for current Industrial: needs, although additional areas may be appropriated if and when the town annexes.  One-story large-footprint buildings The industrial park is also suitable for corporate offices or major employment centers. with offices, loading docks and other Public needed facilities.

Public uses include the Town Hall, community centers or other buildings occupied by  Campus-style development patterns. city offices or services including fire and police stations, public works buildings and  Landscaped sites with well-positioned, storage buildings for equipment. Conceptual site plans for the new Town Hall facility visually-compatible buildings. were prepared by Mississippi State University School of Architecture and can be found  Direct access to Highway. in the Long Term Community Recovery Plan.  Rail facilities.

School  Off-street parking for employees.  Interconnected interior streets. Monroe County Smithville School campus. Public (Town Hall): Town of Smithville (Utility)  Easily identifiable for visitors and The site of the sanitary sewage lagoon and storage buildings. citizens.  Attractive well-built buildings with distinctive architectural style.  Green areas for seating, water features, or public events.  On-street parking or shared parking.  Shared or multiple use buildings. School:  Campus style interior circulatory system.  Landscaped areas for attractive setting.  Football stadiums and other sports facilities.

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Table No. 3: Recap of Land Use and Development Action and Projects

Project Name or Action Description Time Frame

Adopt Development Ordinances that will encourage/require well- designed development, suitable for the neighborhood for which it is a Town of Smithville 1 month part and that will be a credit to the town

Continue to update and enforce Building Codes Building Inspector and Town On-going Town of Smithville Allow new residential subdivisions that preserve open space, connected Developers On-going to other areas of town and to the planned trail system Subdivision Regulations Adopt and enforce minimum property maintenance standards; prohibit Building Code or separate On-going the accumulation of junk and unsafe buildings on property Ordinance/designated staff

Seek funding for home repair and rehabilitation programs and for Town of Smithville, consultants 12 months existing housing as needed

Assist neighborhoods to organize and to protect and beautify their areas City Staff and Volunteers 12 months

Create a housing style manual for various types of residential Consulting Firm or MSU 6-8 months development to be used as a guide for infill housing

Seek housing groups interested in building assisted living facilities in Town of Smithville 2-3 years Smithville

Utilize vacant lots or void areas for pocket parks or outdoor seating Property Owners On-going areas Review by Town of Smithville

Encourage creative outdoor art such as murals that make the city Property Owners On-going memorable Review by Town of Smithville

Assist the business community organize as a business association to Economic Development Committee 6 months coordinate and promote events

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Table No. 3 continued . . .

Recruit buyers or lessees for the Monroe County Industrial Monroe County Chamber 2—3 years Park and original Townhouse Furniture facility Economic Development Committee

Create local financial incentives and provide information on Economic Development Committee 1 year other sources of funding for new and returning businesses Town of Smithville

Future Growth Areas

Utilize existing farm land and agricultural land for Property Owners conservation purposes until such time as other types of Review by Town of Smithville Future development are appropriate and needed Zoning Ordinance

Property Owners Encourage Low-Impact Development and practices in new Review by Town of Smithville Future development areas Zoning Ordinance

Property Owners Locate future commercial areas at intersections of major Review by Town of Smithville Future roads rather than as strip development along Highway 25 Zoning Ordinance

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Chapter Four: Transportation

Section 1: General Section 2: Functional this intensive traffic activity both disrupts the family - o r i e n t e d The transportation system is the Classification of Roadways neighborhood life and is likely to cause framework upon which the city is built. Functional roadway classifications depreciation in property values. None of It influences the ease, convenience and organize streets and highways and the streets in Smithville are classified as safety of the vehicular and pedestrian indicate the type of service the roadways arterials. traffic circulation in and out of the are intended to provide. Travel involves community and is probably one of the movement through a network of roads Collectors most important planning elements which are basically a hierarchy or system Rural collectors provide service to any affecting the form, physical growth, and whereby local streets connect roads that county seat not on an arterial route, to development of the community. For the carry a higher level of traffic and the larger towns not directly served by purpose of this chapter, the ultimately connect with major the higher systems, and to other traffic transportation system in Smithville thoroughfares and highways. Land uses generators of equivalent intra-county includes streets, sidewalks and trails. and transportation systems must be importance, such as consolidated considered simultaneously to achieve schools, shipping points, county parks, Table No. 4: Roadway and Pavement the intended results of development on Widths important mining and agricultural areas. the community. Table No. 4 shows Interstate They also link these places with nearby 180 feet 84 feet recommended roadway and pavement Highway larger towns or cities or with routes of widths for each category. Major Arterial 120 feet 28-84 feet higher classification. Arterials Local Streets Minor Arterial 100 feet 24-60 feet Arterials connect the various districts of Local streets serve the primary function a city, serve high-density residential Collector 70 feet 24-48 feet of providing access to abutting areas, high-traffic commercial areas, and properties. These are the streets to industrial uses. Major thoroughfares Minor Street 50 feet 22-28 feet which private driveways are connected. should be located along the edges of Local streets generally serve low- to neighborhoods. They should neither Source: International Traffic Engineers moderate-density residential uses. penetrate nor divide neighborhoods, as Certain streets which carry more traffic

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or serve in a higher capacity are Section 4: Existing and rural areas. The surface condition is considered major local streets. Proposed Street System in classified as good and the level of service Smithville is good except when traffic arriving or Section 3: Performance Criteria Highways and Collectors departing the school campus is heavy. Surface conditions Highway 25 travels through the heart of Local Streets Good: Streets rated as being in good Smithville and is the transportation Most of the streets in Smithville can be condition have smooth, paved riding “backbone” of the town. It collects traffic categorized as local streets serving low- surfaces and no noticeable structural from local streets and connects the town density residential neighborhoods. defects such as cracks, ruts, or displaced with other communities. Highway 25 Several are recognized as being major or buckled joints. originates at I-55 at Jackson, Mississippi local streets because they provide, or will Fair: Streets rated as fair have relatively and runs to the Tennessee state line provide, access to recreational areas, smooth, paved riding surfaces, but have north of Iuka, where it continues as State town hall and commercial areas. These one or more noticeable defects such as Route 57. Highway 25 in Smithville is a include: Academy, Brasfield, Court, minor cracks, ruts, intermediate two–lane highway. The surface condition Franklin, Front, Industrial, Maple, bleeding, minor raveling, slightly faulty may be described as good and within McKinney, Monroe, Parkview, Spring, joints, or apparent repeated patching. Smithville, the level of service is good. Market, portions of Elm and portions of Mississippi Department of Transportation Jefferson. Poor: Streets rated as poor have a rough (MDOT) has plans to widen Highway 25 in surface and are either paved or unpaved. Generally, local streets in Smithville can the future, probably to a five lane road Paved streets with a large amount of be described as being in good to poor through Smithville. The bridge cracking, rutting, patching, raveling, or condition. Several local streets will need immediately north of the Smithville city faulting are rated poor and all unpaved resurfacing or widening as growth limits has been condemned and needs to streets are classified as poor. occurs. Several of these are shown on be brought into acceptable standards. the Functional Classification Map on Page Level of Service Highway 23 starts in Smithville and runs 33 and are discussed in Section 7. Level of Service (LOS) describes how to the Alabama state line at northern Traffic counts for major roads are also effectively the road or street is serving Itawamba County, where it continues as shown on the Functional Classification the function for which it is intended. As State Route 24. In Smithville, the Map. growth occurs or existing and uses heaviest traffic on Highway 23 is a result

change, streets and roads may not of the Smithville School campus. provide efficient traffic movement and Smithville Road runs from Smithville to may need upgrades. Hatley. This collector serves extensive

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Insert Functional classification map

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Section 5: The Four “Cs”—Coordination, lots serving adjacent commercial developments should be Connectivity, Complete Streets and Calming connected or be accessible from a secondary roadway in order to reduce traffic conflicts on major roadways. Coordination Connectivity Planning for streets is guided primarily by the Land Use Plan which provides the basis for street location and design. Where Various activities and districts in the city should be connected to place streets and thoroughfares is determined in part by the with one another by safe and well-designed streets and nature and density of land uses and the volumes of traffic a pedestrian facilities. Grid pattern streets offer the greatest given major street should carry. Street design, right-of-way degree of connectivity and dead-ends or cul-de-sacs the least. width, number of lanes required, and the location and type of Residential development areas can be improved by using access is based on anticipated volumes of traffic and the alternative designs such as loop streets, eye-brow and if cul-de- desired speed of traffic. sacs are used, an island in the middle of the circle.

When changes are made to the land use plan, appropriate Streets and sidewalks in Smithville commercial areas will modifications should be made to the transportation plan. require streets parallel to Highway 25 for local traffic. This will Efforts should be made to coordinate the location and lower the vehicular trips, reduce local traffic on Highway 25 proximity of driveways to and from businesses in order to and hopefully encourage local commercial activity. maintain the efficiency of the roadway. Where possible, parking

Connectivity

Connectivity of street systems helps move cars and people in a more efficient manner. The drawing on the left exhibits this principal. Streets that feed off of one main arterial or collector create more traffic on these roads as exhibited by the drawing on the right.

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Traffic Calming Complete Streets Complete Streets Traffic calming is the combination of One of the more recent concepts in the mainly physical measures that reduce planning and design of transportation There is no singular design the negative effects of motor vehicle systems is that of Complete Streets. This prescription for Complete Streets; use, alter driver behavior, and improve concept acknowledges that our streets each one is unique and responds conditions for non-motorized street and roadways not only serve to move to its community context. A users. Traffic calming measures are people and goods, but also help define complete street in a rural area will used to address speeding and high cut- the physical environment of our look quite different from a through traffic volumes on neighborhoods and communities and to complete street in a highly urban neighborhood streets. provide transportation arteries useable area, but both are designed to by pedestrian, bicycles and vehicles. balance safety and convenience for Smithville is fortunate that few local Vehicular lanes, sidewalks, bike paths, everyone using the road. streets are used as “cut-through” roads crossing islands, boulevards, crosswalks between destinations. In the event this and traffic lights are elements of should become a problem, there are complete streets. By working with local solutions available that serve the officials and community stakeholders to purpose of slowing down traffic. A few define the desired function and of these are: appearance of a roadway, engineers can  Divided medians design transportation systems which  Four-way stop signs with pedestrian more closely reflect the values of a crosswalks community.

 Raised intersections or intersections with cobblestone, brick or alternative materials

 Median islands

 Narrower travel lanes

 Reduced travel lanes

 Curb extensions

 Roundabouts

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Section 6: Transportation could be used for parking on Sunday.. Issues and Opportunities Also, Maple Street ends at Elm on the west which will cause persons traveling Issue: Lack of street connections from businesses to Town Hall to either Most of the town has an efficient get back on Highway 25 or travel a long vehicular transportation system but block to Monroe to arrive at Town Hall. there are some issues. One of these is The Smithville Road and Highway 25 the lack of connecting streets such as intersection needs to be reconfigured to dead-end streets in residential become a 90 degree angle. Curtis neighborhoods and areas with only with Knight Drive could be utilized for this only one way in and out of the purpose.

development. Lack of street The railroad track and industrial park connections requires residents to use Issue and Opportunity: Width and break up the continuity of several highways to travel to another condition of certain streets streets; however due to safety concerns, destination in town. this is generally considered a positive Maintenance responsibilities for streets With the re-location of the new Town attribute. An exception is Monroe Street and highways within the Smithville Hall, the funeral home and the medical where a connection would provide planning area are shared by MDOT and clinic to the Cemetery Road vicinity, better access to the Sportsplex. Monroe County. Monroe County access to this general area must be maintains all streets and roads located Opportunity: Connect certain improved. Cemetery Road will probably within the town limits, with the streets to improve circulation and be used most frequently to travel to the exception of state highways. The commerce funeral home and medical clinic. It is County Administrator and Road Manager likely that Maple, Gum, Oak and North  Reconn Gum with Cemetery Road. work closely with the Mayor and elected Pine will provide secondary access to officials to coordinate road projects. businesses on the north side of Highway  Extend Maple from Elm to Earl Fyre. All streets within the proposed 25. Maple and Gum were connected but  Connect Monroe to west side of RR. commercial areas should be wide the city gave this land to the church for  Connect streets off of Brasfield to enough to easily accommodate two-way parking. This is a vital link between new residential streets. traffic and be in good condition to retail, the town center and other uses encourage travel to and from and it is recommended the city try to  Reconfigure Smithville Road and businesses. reacquire this land for a street that Highway 25 intersection.

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 Upgrade Cemetery Road, Maple, landscaping beautification should be Gum, Elm, Oak and North Pine. installed.

 Upgrade Court Street which carries Industrial Drive and the section of Olive traffic to the Sportsplex. Street between Highway 25 and McKinney would be greatly enhanced  Resurface or add the final surface to with streetscape projects such as street the east side of L & S Circle. trees and sidewalks. This would  Upgrade Walnut Street in the area of improve the aesthetics and functionality the Rail Road crossing. of both areas as future development areas. Issue and Opportunity: Streets distinctive that need more definition and Issue and Opportunity: Lack of A Multi-Use Trail and Pedestrian Facilities beautification pedestrian facilities Map has been created to demonstrate The roadway that essentially defines the Although Smithville is a small the location and type of facilities that character of the town is Highway 25. It community, there are few sidewalks and will ultimately be needed to adequately is essential that improved streetscaping no recreational facilities for bikes and provide for non-motorized travel. pedestrians. Construction of pedestrian be accomplished on this corridor. The Long-Term Community Recovery and bike facilities was widely supported Future widening may afford this Plan recommended a multi-use/bike during the planning process. Some opportunity; however in the short term, path be located close to the multi-sports residents have expressed a desire to consistent lighting, street trees and fields connecting the proposed marina walk to destinations rather than with downtown. traveling by vehicle. Neighborhoods on “Many activities of daily The Comprehensive Plan has expanded the east side of town off of Seminole living should occur within the scope of these facilities to include a walking distance, allowing Road must walk along the edge of “looped” trail that would allow independence to those who roadways instead of along sidewalks to connectivity throughout the entire town do not drive, especially the reach other areas. A non-vehicular and would connect the marina trail with elderly and the young. transportation system is needed to the park on the south side of town. Interconnected networks of provide alternative modes of streets should be designed to transportation as well as recreational Trails are more likely to be used if they encourage walking, reduce are convenient to residential areas and the number and length of and wellness benefits. eliminate the need to drive somewhere automobile trips, and Opportunity: Provide a pedestrian conserve energy.” else to exercise. By using trails along system that is useable and major thoroughfares, such as Seminole

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Road and Iron Bridge Road, pedestrians Likewise, the unpaved ROW to the west are needed on Smithville Road and and bicyclists will be better able to could provide a valuable pedestrian Highway 23. utilize these facilities. Persons who live connection linking to the trail system.  Directional: Used for en-route on the west side of town are completely Issue and Opportunity: Making directional guidance within the cut off from other areas. A trail system destinations easy to find town. Consider signs on Hwy 25 for would provide access to the parks and athletic facilities, park, future other neighborhoods for these areas. Many of the signs including non- marina, Town Hall, funeral home commercial and public facilities signs, Sidewalks/trails placed immediately and medical clinic. adjacent to the street may present were destroyed by the Destination: Used for and displayed safety hazards and are not appealing. tornado. Certain  An amenity zone with vegetation facilities are being near a specific district or site. provides the needed separation and rebuilt in new locations Streetscape improvements in should be utilized. and some were never downtown should use attractive marked. New street pedestrian-scale lighting with Issue and Opportunity: Unpaved signs will be installed banners to mark this area as a or underutilized rights-of-way that comply with new special destination. At least two Rights-Of-Way (ROW) were federal guidelines and identified that may be better utilized. new welcome signs These are South Pine and the unpaved have been placed at the road that runs north from McKinney to east and west gateways Highway 25. into town on Highway 25. Attractive South Pine provides a convenient right wayfinding and street turn for persons traveling from Highway signs are one of the 25 to Smithville Road; however, a left easiest ways to add to the positive turn from Smithville Road onto Highway image of a town and should be 25 could be dangerous due to the considered as a future project. proximity of the main intersection just feet away. This street could become a Types and suggested places for part of the a reconfigured intersection wayfinding signs or be converted to a right turn only off  Gateway: Used at key entrances to of Highway 25 and the remaining ROW the town. Additional welcome signs could be used as a trail or sidewalk.

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INSERT MULTI-USE TRAIL AND PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE MAP

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Table No. 5: Recap of Transportation Projects Actions and Projects

Project Name or Action Description Cost or time Frame

Incorporate sidewalks and landscaping into roadway designs MDOT To be determined when widening major town streets and state highways. Grants Adopt a sidewalk master plan and seek funding to construct in An adopted plan will establish priorities, To be determined phases. costs, and funding sources Establish standards for new streets and require developers to Subdivision Ordinance Immediately install. No cost to town Construct multi-use trails that connect recreation areas, Cost estimate needed, priorities set and $351 to $400 PLF for neighborhoods and schools. construction plans prepared construction

Install “wayfinding” signs for civic, medical and other A design scheme will be needed that will To be Determined destinations and two additional gateway signs. blend in with gateway signs

Reconfigure the intersection of Highway 25 and Smithville MDOT No Cost to town Road at a 90 degree angle and install a traffic signal and prominent crosswalk for pedestrians. Connect Gum Street to Cemetery Road; extend Maple from Elm Monroe County To be determined to Earl Frye and Monroe to east side of RR. Connect streets off Grants Brasfield to new residential streets in adjacent developments.

Improve Cemetery Road with curb and gutter, resurfacing and Will improve access to new funeral home, $940,000 widening memorial park and medical clinic

Improve streets in the vicinity of new Town Hall and Overlaying 7000 LF of streets in the area Initial cost: $382,000 Sportsplex. of the new municipal center Improve condition of local residential streets as needed. Monroe County No cost to town

Resurface new section of L & S Circle. Developer No cost to town

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Chapter Five: Community Facilities and Services

Section 1: General Description absence of these facilities has a direct impact on the continued well-being of Provisions for infrastructure facilities the community and are therefore and services such as water, sanitary included in this chapter. sewer, stormwater drainage and solid waste collection is one of the most basic Section 2: Water System functions of a municipality. The quality Smithville residents and businesses and of these systems can impact the health, those around the town are served by safety, welfare, and quality of life for two public water systems. The Town of both residents and visitors. Public Smithville Water Systems provides water services such as police and fire inside the town and a Smithville rural protection, educational and medical water system provides service outside of facilities depend upon the adequacy and town. reliability of these services. The in-town water system consists of In Smithville, improving and upgrading two tanks and the rural system has one the water and sanitary sewer systems tank. Increased water capacity is has been a priority for some time. With  Large main between two elevated needed to provide the level of service guidance from the city’s consulting tanks. the town needs. The following upgrades engineer, the infrastructure committee are needed:  New chemical equipment for water and department heads, the town has an plant including lime feeder,  Add 200 gpm water well to the ongoing record of prioritizing and chlorinators, storage for lime and Town of Smithville water system. funding such projects. Recent chlorine and texting equipment. upgrades, existing conditions, and  Add 200 gpm water well to the  Painting of Town Water Plant. proposed projects are described in this Smithville rural system. In addition to providing potable water Chapter.  Generators for rural remote wells— to businesses and residences, the Although local governments are not two each. Town of Smithville provides water for directly responsible for schools and  Generators for town water plant— firefighting purposes. Many of these medical facilities, the presence or three each.

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water lines do not meet current water Under the Clean Water Act, Congress pressure standards for firefighting. mandated the United States The following upgrades are required: Section 3: Sanitary Sewer Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. System EPA) to develop regulations to regulate  Upgrade 2” lines to a minimum of stormwater discharges that affect our 4” in older residential areas. Wastewater is currently treated in two nation’s waterways. The Mississippi  Add 6-8” line under Highway Department of Environmental 25 to serve new town hall and Quality (MDEQ) responds to other users. complaints and enforces the As new residential development U.S. EPA’s requirements in occurs, developers will be Smithville and Monroe County. responsible for providing There are no significant underground infrastructure such stormwater issues in Smithville as water and sewer lines. primarily due to the natural Standards that will improve the drainage system of open capacity of water lines will be ditches and the proximity of required. MDOT provides funding the Tennessee-Tombigbee for water and sewer lines along waterway. As channelization state highways during the of ditches and streams occur widening process but short-term and more impervious surfaces funding is needed for this project. lagoons and has a treatment capacity of are built, erosion and sedimentation Maps showing existing water and sewer 250,000 gallons per day approximately control will become an important part of systems on Pages 43 - 44. twice the capacity required. During rain the site plan review process. events, intrusion into the system greatly Fire Hydrants Stormwater containment has moved increases flows necessitating renovation away from the concept of moving water Fire hydrants should be spaced every to the system. The southern lagoon was as far away and quickly as possible in 500 feet and within 500 feet of certain renovated in 2010 but renovation of the buried collection and conveyance types of buildings. Buildings such as system in the eastern and central area systems; toward managing stormwater places of public assembly require of the town is now required. This on site where it falls. Methods such as sprinkling to comply with fire and project is scheduled to begin soon. pervious pavement for overflow parking, building codes. Increased water bio swales, and other techniques can be capacity will help insure adequate Section 4: Stormwater utilized as much as possible to reinforce service. Management System

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Insert Water Infrastructure Map

Smithville, Mississippi Page 43 Comprehensive Plan

Insert Sanitary Sewer Map

The county offers pick-up service for glass fiber cable within a 95 square mile large appliances, also known as “white service area certified by the Mississippi goods, on a call-in basis. Household Public Services Commission, all of which hazardous wastes such as batteries, is outside the city limits of Smithville. paints, household chemicals and The next phase will extend connections cleaning supplies, electronics, and to homes and businesses within the fluorescent light bulbs are not town. The approximate cost for this currently allowed in municipal solid project is $2.5 million. This will not waste landfills and must be disposed only enhance home service but will be of in alternative ways. Certain meaningful to business users as well as hazardous waste such as tires, paint civic uses and other places where people Smithville’s existing natural drainage and computers are accepted at the gather. system. Structural Best Management landfill for recycling. Other types of Wireless Telecommunication Practices (BMPs) for construction sites recycling services are currently not area outlined in MDEQ’s Planning and available. There is one telecommunication tower Design Manual for the Control of located within the Town of Smithville. Rubbish pick-up service is available by Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater. New telecommunication towers should calling the county. Residents may also be designed to blend in to the natural Section 5: Solid take this to the landfill for disposal. and physical environment especially Rubbish is considered to be tree Waste and Recycling rural farmland and residential areas. branches, leaves and other yard debris. Solid waste disposal is provided to all Should additional facilities be needed, The Monroe County landfill is located on residents of Smithville by the county. stealth towers, designed to look like Highway 8 east of Westville and is a Solid waste is considered to be normal Class I facility. household waste, such as food waste, paper, and other non•hazardous items. Section 6: Communications Service for residential customers is Facilities $13 per month and pick-up is provided once per week. Fiber Internet Connectivity

Because they produce a larger volume of Broadband internet capability is solid waste, large commercial facilities available in Smithville and the Smithville are encouraged to obtain a dumpster Telephone Company has recently and contract for waste disposal. replaced copper telephone lines with

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other physical or natural features, are has a staff of one full-time officer who is encouraged. Locating antennas on tall the Police Chief and five part-time buildings, inside church steeples, and officers. One officer is assigned per atop water tanks should be considered. shift. Section 7: Municipal Offices Monroe County Sheriff’s Department dispatches calls to Smithville police, Smithville’s Town Hall is temporarily provides back-up and jail facilities. housed in the Community Center on The Sheriff’s office has recently Franklin Street. The new Town Hall will converted to a digital radio system be located on Highway 25 between Earl and the Smithville Police Department Frye and Elm and will house municipal will need to purchase new equipment offices, the Police Department and the in order to be coordinated. Fire Chief’s office. The prominence of this location will be a positive attribute The department currently has a fleet to the community. staffing 24 hours per day. The benefit of four vehicles which will be adequate of improving fire ratings is a reduction in the near future. Section 8: Smithville in property insurance rates for town The department will need an evidence Volunteer Fire Department residents; however, the cost of room as well as other space which The Smithville Volunteer Fire improving service outweighs potential should be separate from the main Department is located just off of benefits at the present time. town hall building. Industrial Drive and is accessible to all The Fire Department has four trucks Plans call for a volunteer officer locations in the town. The building is and 20 volunteers. A new brush truck program to assist regular officers. adequate for the department’s current is needed. All vehicles comply with needs but a new facility and a separate state requirements. Staffing is an issue, Section 10: Schools and office for the fire chief will be built. as no officers are on duty anytime. This Educational Facilities Volunteer firefighters respond to fire- is strictly a volunteer position. An Smithville School related calls within the town. Emergency additional 10 volunteers are needed. response medical service calls are All areas of Monroe County that are not Section 9: Police Department handled by Monroe County E-911. within the Aberdeen, Amory, Nettleton Smithville currently has a Class 8 fire The Smithville Police Department is or Okolona school districts are in the rating. To earn the next lowest level currently being run out of a temporary Monroe County school system. the town must provide permanent trailer but will be relocated to the new Smithville School is one of the Monroe Town Hall building. The department County schools and serves students

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from the Town of Smithville and previous years enrollment was 648 surrounding areas including some from (2010-11), 656 (2009-10), and 677 urban areas. Students can also attend (2008-09). School officials feel classes at the Monroe County Vocational confident that once the new campus is Center and the Advanced Learning rebuilt and town construction Center. These options allow students to continues, enrollment will increase. take classes that can earn them college Teachers and students at Smithville credit and help prepare them for High School enjoy the benefit of smaller potential careers class sizes, which allow for a more Buildings on the school campus were personal relationship in the educational severely damaged by the tornado and a process. An exact student/teacher ratio temporary campus on Industrial Loop is hard to determine. However on was established to enable continuous average, classes have 15-18 students services to students. per teacher.

Renovations to permanent schools Smithville School offers a challenging buildings are currently taking place on curriculum that is aligned with state the inside of three buildings. A new standards. They are currently in the physical education gym and field house process of re-designing the curriculum are currently under construction. A new in order to meet the incoming Common agriculture shop and classroom is also Core National Standards. Smithville being constructed. In early summer School is ranked as high-performing on county system with ten branches. The 2012, the elementary buildings will be the state’s accountability model. This is regional headquarters is located in West removed and construction will begin on the second highest possible ranking. Point, Mississippi at the Bryan Public the new pre-k to 6 grade facility. The They have experienced an academic Library. Branches in Monroe County are goal is to be on the permanent campus achievement increase in each of the located in Amory and Aberdeen, for the start of the 2013-2014 school previous two school sessions. Mississippi. year. Tombigbee Regional Library Mission Statement Smithville School has a current K-12 System At Smithville School, we believe that all children are capable of learning. Our mission is to provide a positive, enrollment of 537 students. Enrollment Communities in Monroe County are yet challenging learning environment where students has seen a bit of a steady decline in are given the opportunity to become successful in all served by the Tombigbee Regional recent years due to various factors. In areas, preparing them to become productive citizens Library System (TRLS) which is a four- and have bright futures by achieving their personal goals.”

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TRLS is a member of the Golden exciting proposals is for a new public women’s and veteran’s healthcare Triangle Regional Library Consortium, marina to be located on the Tenn-Tom services. In addition, their only dental sharing an online catalog with waterway. Land owned by the Corps of clinic and administrative offices are Mississippi State University, Mississippi Engineers could be leased and the new located in Smithville. Access also has University for Women, Starkville City facilities at this location could attract facilities in Tupelo, Houlka, and Schools, and Starkville Public Library. tourists and local residents who need a Tremont. Access was one of the boat launch facility or want to camp or facilities destroyed by the tornado. A During the planning process, Smithville recreate. new 10,000 square foot building is residents expressed a desire to locate a planned to replace the destroyed small library in the town in conjunction Section 12: Health and with the community complex. This Medical Facilities should be considered a vital component of improving the quality of life in Smithville residents have access to three Smithville and Monroe County. hospitals including two in Monroe County and a regional facility in Tupelo. Section 11: Parks and The closest is located in Amory. Recreation Facilities Gilmore Memorial Hospital is a 95-bed facility, has an emergency center with Parks and recreation offerings in helicopter linkage, a surgery Smithville have been improved with the department, women’s center a 16-bed Johnny ‘Hoss’ Noe Memorial Sportsplex sub-acute unit and a fitness center. and improvement of the South Park. Approximately 40 physicians practicing Five picnic tables, six park benches and 17 specialties are on staff at Gilmore. two grills were added to the South Park and a new stage area is planned that Pioneer Community Hospital in will enable outdoor events in the park. Aberdeen has 35 beds; inpatient and outpatient care for seniors; and As the town grows, additional recreation occupational, physical and respiratory areas will be needed. These should be therapy. Five general practitioners and planned for the entire community as eleven specialists are affiliated with well as individual neighborhoods. Pioneer. Several needs have been identified, some of which have been discussed in Access Medical located in Smithville previous chapters. One of the most offers adult, infant and children, senior,

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facility. It will be staffed by two physicians and a nurse practitioner. In-

house pharmacy and x-ray services will also be offered.

Section 13: Community Section 14: Community Center and Church Related Services and Facilities Issues Facilities and Opportunities

The Town of Smithville currently has a Community services and facilities are community center located adjacent to one of the strong points of this the south park on Franklin Street. The community. Although there are center is available on a rental basis for deficiencies in services, town leaders family reunions, dances, parks and have been aggressive in pursuing recreational programs and other events. upgrades and replacement of facilities They do not offer an on-going program as needed. Past and planned projects of activities. will add to the sufficiency of services to residents. There is a real opportunity to Smithville is fortunate to have a continue with this type of project since significant number of faith-based funding is available for communities institutions. Five churches were located impacted by disasters. A recap of in the town prior to the tornado, four of projects and actions needed can be these were destroyed and several are found in Table No. 6 on Page 51. rebuilding within the town. These institutions provide a stabilizing influence for the town and provide opportunities for youth and community engagement.

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Table No. 6: Recap of Community Facilities Actions and Projects

Project Description Estimated Cost

New Well for Rural System $300,000

Generators for Rural Remote Well 2 needed $170,000

New Well for Town $150,000

Generators for Town Wells 3 generators required $225,000

Urgently needed project—not less Painting of Town Water Plant $350,000 than $250,000

New Water Plant Lime Feeders 2 at $50,000 each $100,000

New Water Plant Chlorinators $25,000

WTP Testing Equipment $7,500

WTP Chlorine/Lime Storage and Equipment Building Needed to store cylinders and bags $175,000

Water Treatment Plant Automation $100,000

12” Water Main Loop between the Two elevated Tanks Routed to Serve Park $192,000 and New Funeral Home

200 gpm pump station and 4” force Water Plant Sludge Lagoon with pumps and force main $486,000 main

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Table No. 6 continued . . .

Project Description Estimated Cost

Small Water Replacement Program 4” Minimum for fire hydrants $300,000

Flushing Devices $40,000

Corrosion Control $25,000

Flat Files for Storage of all Utility Plan Sets $7,500

Sewer Pump Station and Force Main Front the New School to the Lagoons 200 gpm $251,000

Eastern portion applied for in CDBG Sewer Rehab Eastern Portion of Town $387,000 grant application

Install Fiber Internet system for Town $2,500,000

Build new Town Center for Municipal offices, Police Department and office

for Fire Chief

Utilize green infrastructure methods for stormwater control and Property Owners beautification of commercial areas. Allow reduced parking requirements Review by Town of Smithville On-going and limit pervious pavement Zoning Ordinance

Enhance South Park with facilities for community gatherings

Obtain brush truck for Fire Department and recruit additional volunteers

Obtain digital radio system for Police Department

Establish senior and youth services on-going programs and build/establish

suitable location for same

Smithville, Mississippi Page 51 Comprehensive Plan

Acknowledgements and Sources

Town of Smithville Monroe County Schools Gregg Kennedy, Mayor Chad O’Brian, Principal Smithville Attendance Center Members of the Board of Aldermen Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Members of the Planning Commission Tony Green, Executive Director Ann Seales, Town Clerk Mississippi State University Michelle Bond, Disaster Recovery Manager John Poros, Director of Carl Small Town Center Kim Johnson, Public Information Officer John C. Stennis Institute of Government Darwin Hatchcock, Chief of Police Joseph N. Fratesi, Project Manager Eric Mills, Assistant Chief of Police Recovery Advisory Committees Scott Morgan, Chief Volunteer Fire Department Infrastructure Committee Consultants Economic Development Randy Hollis, P.E., President Owen & White, Inc. Community Services Sam Griffie, City Attorney Housing Monroe County Education Sonny Clay, Administrator and Road Manager Keep Mississippi Beautiful Ronnie Boozer, Chancery Clerk Sarah Kontouris, Executive Director Robert Goza, Director E-911 and EMA Keep Monroe County Beautiful Edna Cox, Executive Director

Smithville, Mississippi Page 52 Comprehensive Plan

Acknowledgements and Sources continued . . .

Plans, Studies and Reports Long-Term Community Recovery Plan (August 2011) Community Survey Assessment Summary Report (June 2012) Appalachian Regional Commission-Economic Reports Census of Population and Housing, U. S. Census Bureau, 2010 Agencies, Bureaus and other Entities Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) Mississippi Department Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)

Smithville, Mississippi Page 53 Comprehensive Plan