Smithfield Responds To Recycling Center Complaints, Details Cleanup Efforts

SMITHFIELD – The Town of Smithfield says maintenance work has been completed and additional cleanup is underway at its Recycling Center and Public Works yard on Hospital Road following complaints about conditions at the property.

In a statement provided to The Johnston County Report, the town said photographs included in an October 29 news report were taken several months ago and do not reflect some of the improvements made since then.

Town officials said the tall grass shown in the photographs has been addressed, and Lane Landscaping and Greenhouse has been hired to provide ongoing grass maintenance at the property.

The town also addressed concerns about a large mound of dirt and older trash carts stored at the facility.

According to the statement, the dirt is a temporary stockpile of excavated material. Public Works crews are moving the material to other locations throughout Smithfield to correct grading problems and fill areas requiring additional soil.

Officials said older trash carts have been kept at the yard to provide replacement parts for other town carts. The town is now in the process of removing the old carts from the property.

The response follows an October 28 letter from Smithfield residents Jack and Claudia O’Hale to Mayor Andy Moore and the Smithfield Town Council.

The couple described the Recycling Center at 231 Hospital Road as an “eyesore and potential health hazard.” They submitted photographs showing standing and discolored water, worn pavement and other conditions they believed needed attention.

The O’Hales also questioned the town’s spending priorities, citing the proposed $16.3 million baseball stadium while urging officials to improve the Recycling Center, which is regularly used by residents.

The town’s latest statement did not specifically address the standing water, pavement conditions or questions about the proposed stadium.

“The Town appreciates residents bringing their concerns forward and recognizes the importance of maintaining public facilities for the residents who use them and the employees who work there,” the statement said.

The town did not provide a timetable for completing the remaining cleanup.