Stop Eric Craig from transforming Smithville
The Issue
Smithville has always been more than just a place; it’s our home, defined by its peaceful charm, close-knit community, and agricultural roots. However, all of this is under threat. Eric Craig and other major developers are planning to purchase our local farmland to convert Smithville into a bustling city, irrevocably altering the fabric of our town.
Growing up in Smithville, I’ve seen firsthand what a special place it is. Our children play in the same fields that their grandparents once farmed, and our community comes together at local events where everyone knows each other by name. A rapid urban transformation will dismantle the community bonds that have taken generations to build.
If these development plans proceed, the repercussions will be severe. Increased urbanization historically correlates with higher crime rates, as evidenced by similar developments across the country. According to a study by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, towns undergoing significant urban expansion have seen up to a 30% increase in crime over a decade. This is not the future we want for our families.
Additionally, new developments would cause property taxes to skyrocket to fund the necessary infrastructure—turning the burden onto local residents who may find these sudden increases unaffordable. Already, families are struggling to stay rooted in the communities they've invested in emotionally and economically for years.
The landscape and agriculture that symbolize our identity would be replaced with concrete and high-rise buildings, eroding the rural charm that defined our daily lives and attracted visitors to our region. Each piece of land swallowed by development represents a lost opportunity for sustainable practices and preservation of natural habitats.
We must act now to safeguard our town's integrity. We urge local government leaders to consider alternative approaches that focus on sustainable growth and prioritize the preservation of farmland. Encouraging initiatives like community-supported agriculture and eco-tourism can drive economic benefits while maintaining the heart of Smithville.
Join us in this fight to protect our beloved town. By signing this petition, you are voicing your support to halt these aggressive development plans and to hold our leaders accountable to their community. Together, we can preserve Smithville's legacy for future generations.
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The Issue
Smithville has always been more than just a place; it’s our home, defined by its peaceful charm, close-knit community, and agricultural roots. However, all of this is under threat. Eric Craig and other major developers are planning to purchase our local farmland to convert Smithville into a bustling city, irrevocably altering the fabric of our town.
Growing up in Smithville, I’ve seen firsthand what a special place it is. Our children play in the same fields that their grandparents once farmed, and our community comes together at local events where everyone knows each other by name. A rapid urban transformation will dismantle the community bonds that have taken generations to build.
If these development plans proceed, the repercussions will be severe. Increased urbanization historically correlates with higher crime rates, as evidenced by similar developments across the country. According to a study by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, towns undergoing significant urban expansion have seen up to a 30% increase in crime over a decade. This is not the future we want for our families.
Additionally, new developments would cause property taxes to skyrocket to fund the necessary infrastructure—turning the burden onto local residents who may find these sudden increases unaffordable. Already, families are struggling to stay rooted in the communities they've invested in emotionally and economically for years.
The landscape and agriculture that symbolize our identity would be replaced with concrete and high-rise buildings, eroding the rural charm that defined our daily lives and attracted visitors to our region. Each piece of land swallowed by development represents a lost opportunity for sustainable practices and preservation of natural habitats.
We must act now to safeguard our town's integrity. We urge local government leaders to consider alternative approaches that focus on sustainable growth and prioritize the preservation of farmland. Encouraging initiatives like community-supported agriculture and eco-tourism can drive economic benefits while maintaining the heart of Smithville.
Join us in this fight to protect our beloved town. By signing this petition, you are voicing your support to halt these aggressive development plans and to hold our leaders accountable to their community. Together, we can preserve Smithville's legacy for future generations.
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Petition created on October 3, 2026