Council backs downtown mixed‑use project; Grace Homemade proposes brewery, restaurant and event venue

The Town of Smithfield council voted to recommend approval of a conditional rezoning for a proposed three‑story downtown flex commercial building (case CZ‑25‑08) that would redevelop a vacant parcel on East Market Street.

Planning staff presented the proposal to rezone a 1.15‑acre tract from B‑2 to B‑2CZ for a roughly 41,000‑square‑foot, three‑story building with mixed retail, restaurant and assembly uses. The staff presentation noted a substantial parking deviation: "the total required parking sits at around 170 spaces. What was shown on the plan was 60," and the staff highlighted strategies (remote/shared parking within 400 feet) and public benefits such as wider sidewalks, street trees and removal of a blighted building. (Planning staff: SEG 928–936, SEG 992–1003.)

Patty Griffin, describing the Grace Homemade proposal, said the owners envision a brewery at the ground floor, a restaurant operated by Grace Homemade occupying at least 51% of the building, and a third‑floor event space called Gabriel Hall that would host weddings and corporate events. "We're really looking forward to bring some things that we believe that the town needs and wants," she said. (Patty Griffin: SEG 1215–1223, SEG 1309–1316.)

Councilmembers questioned setbacks, buffering to an adjacent daycare, elevator/stair enclosure and the parking deviation; the applicant said she was actively working with the community to secure additional parking and noted event parking demands are mostly evening‑time. Staff recommended approval of the conditional rezoning with conditions addressing deviations, site planning, and architectural and landscaping commitments.

Council moved to recommend approval with staff‑proposed amendments and a statement finding the request consistent with the Town of Smithfield comprehensive growth plan and in the public interest; the motion passed by voice vote. (Motion and vote: SEG 1476–1511.)

Next steps: applicant must finalize site‑plan documents (stormwater, landscaping, lighting) and obtain separate sign permits and any necessary parking arrangements before construction.