The Smithfield Town Council faced a decisive moment Tuesday when a split vote on rezoning more than 90 acres of town‑owned land was broken by Mayor Andy Moore’s tie‑breaking ballot. The decision clears the way for a future baseball stadium on a site that has become a flashpoint for environmental debate.
The parcel, located south of Community Park, is characterized by dense hardwood forest, marshy lowlands and the winding course of Buffalo Creek. Its ecological value has drawn criticism from residents who fear loss of habitat and increased flood risk.
Council Split Over Future of the Site
Council members Rick Bruckner, Sloan Stevens, John Dunn, Gettys Cohen, Travis Scott, Doris Wallace and Steve Rabil were among those who voiced concerns during the public comment period, urging the board to reconsider the project’s long‑term impact on the community.
The vote ended in a 3‑3 deadlock, with three councilors supporting the rezoning and three opposing it. Under North Carolina municipal rules, the mayor’s vote can break such ties, and Mayor Moore exercised that authority to approve the measure.
The rezoned property includes a 58‑acre tract that was donated by the Lampe family, prompting the town to abandon earlier plans for an 81‑year lease of the American Legion ballfield. Officials say the donation was a key factor in shifting the council’s calculus.
Environmental advocates argue that the stadium’s footprint would fragment wildlife corridors and exacerbate stormwater runoff, while proponents point to potential economic benefits and increased recreational opportunities.
Mayor Moore has defended the decision as a necessary step toward bringing professional baseball to Smithfield, emphasizing that the project will be developed with input from the community and local stakeholders.