At the request of the Home Owners Association at Lake Park Circle, the Town of Smithfield has agreed to assume ownership of the road.
Lake Park is a two lane street built 14 years ago. The street was not adopted by the Town when it was built due to certain set back requirements not being met at the time. The subdivision, located off Country Club Road, and the street are both within the town limits and pay Smithfield property taxes.
The street is currently considered a private road and is being maintained by the home owners association (HOA). Recently the HOA asked the town to accept responsibility of the street and assume responsibility of all future repairs and maintenance, such as curb and gutter, snow removal and street cleaning.
A company recently tested the street and found several areas that needed repair. The HOA agreed to fund the cost of the repairs prior to the Town assuming ownership.
Councilman Perry Harris asked if the Town customarily takes over private roads. Town Manager Michael Scott said there is not currently policy in place as to what roads would or would not be taken over.
Scott explained the HOA is within the city limits and pays taxes. The street is also in the city limits, he added and would not require any extreme expense for upkeep at the present time.
“What is the advantage to the Town for taking responsibility financial in the future,” Councilman Roger Wood asked?
“There is no economic advantage to the town,” Scott replied.
Dr. Dennis Koffer, a resident of Lake Park Circle, spoke in favor of the road ownership saying none of the 32 property owners send any children to public schools are not calling police on a regular basis and don’t have much need for city services, yet contributes an estimated $36,000 in property to Smithfield each year.
Councilman Perry Harris recused himself from the vote, but the measure still passed unanimously. The council did stipulate a storm drainage pond next to the street would still be the responsibility of the HOA.
The Town will take over the Lake Park Circle once the HOA makes repairs to the roadway.
