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SMITHFIELD — It's a nice location for camping — right next to a trail, and Dry Canyon up above, but it's also right above a neighborhood.
Several homeowners say they don't want it here.
Todd Davis is not thrilled about the proposed plans for this piece of land that is currently zoned for agriculture.
"It's supposed to be a residential area, and I just don't understand how they would put an RV park in the middle of a residential area," he said.
He's not the only one. Several homeowners came out Wednesday to express their concerns about the proposed development.
"If he does the 80, that's 80 fire pits," Jeannie Prescott said. "Two years ago, we already had a fire here."
Concerns range from safety and traffic, to worries about trash and possible crime.
"We want people to come and enjoy our city responsibly," Muyly Miller said. "And just enjoy what other recreational activities are already offered."
The developer, Nathan Whittaker, says there is a demand for more campsites in the Cache Valley, and that this park would be clean, with new landscaping and pickleball courts, along with full hookups at each site.
"This is not what this land was intended for," Katie Hanks said. "Growth is good, progress is good, but this land is designated as not buildable."
Whittaker would need a conditional use permit to use for the recreational development.
Earlier this year, he proposed annexing the land into Smithfield City to build homes — but that failed.
"The infrastructure and the access, different things just aren't there," Davis said.
A developer himself, Davis is concerned the well on the land may not be able to support 80 sites.
On top of that, he says the nearby trailhead already sees its share of litter and vandalism.
"It's getting loved to death up here," Davis said.
The developer says there would be several dumpsters at the park.
Another sticking point for nearby homeowners is staff here will be available 24/7, but not necessarily always on site.
The issue goes before the Cache County Planning Commission next week.
