Town Council Rejects Senior Apartment Complex

Artist rendering of the Foster Commons senior apartment complex. Courtesy Town of Smithfield

Sewer capacity for apartment complex unavailable until 2025

SMITHFIELD – In a split vote, the Smithfield Town Council rejected plans from a developer to build a 50-unit senior multi-family apartment complex. Woda Cooper Development, Inc. requested the council rezone 5.46 acres on S. Brightleaf Boulevard (US 301) and East Holt Street for the project.

The apartment complex, called Foster Commons, would cost about $10 million and add to the town’s tax base. The company currently has over 400 properties with 16,000 apartment units under management.

The proposed three-story 43-foot tall apartment building included 18 – 660 square foot one-bedroom units, and 32 – 900 square foot two-bedroom units. An elevator in the center of the building and stairways on both ends would allow access. Eighty-three parking spaces were also included to meet town code.

During the April public hearing, Brian Rabil, who operates a used car dealership next door to the property, said he was concerned about traffic and property values. Mr. Rabil said it was a good project but the wrong location.

Developers wanted to build the Foster Commons senior apartment complex on S. Brightleaf Boulevard at E. Holt Street, just north of Family Dollar and a used car lot. Courtesy Town of Smithfield

Although the senior apartments would require at least one occupant per unit to be 55 or older, those under age 55, including children, could live in the units, pending approval by management.

Smithfield Planning Director Stephen Wensman said the project would be served by town utilities, however there is no sewer capacity to serve Foster Commons. Wensman said when Johnston County Public Utilities completes a sewer expansion project by the first quarter of 2025 sewer would be available. He said developers were aware of the issue.

Officials with Woda Cooper Development said that particular area is in need of improvements and a senior apartment complex would be ideal, being in close proximity to a grocery store and pharmacy.

Following the public hearing, Councilman Roger Wood made a motion to deny the rezoning request. Councilman Steve Rabil seconded the motion. The council voted 4-to-3 to deny the request. Councilmen Marlon Lee, Travis Scott, and David Stevens voted against the denial.

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5 COMMENTS

  1. Yet the town counsel with the JoCo Commissioner’s approved all the other developers knowing full well that the infrastructure could not support them. Oh yea this project was going to help us senior folks where the other ones benefitted the powers to be here. Just shows how corrupt the system is.

    • Big dog I agree with you. It will pass. Just as soon as those who voted against it gets a piece of the cake. My buddy dad owned the property by sss high school and could never get approved to build there. And as soon as they sold the property then the buyers where approved to build

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