(Editor's note: This is just one part of a series of stories about local candidates in the upcoming June 2 primary, municipal and school board election. Find more coverage here.)
Simplified: The announcement that Smithfield is moving out of downtown Sioux Falls is one of the most significant changes to the city in recent history. It also opens up more than 100 acres for redevelopment in the city's core. Sioux Falls Simplified asked all City Council candidates how they plan to lead the city through the next steps in planning for the future of that space.
Here's what we asked:
What’s your vision for the future "Sanford District" and of downtown overall after Smithfield moves out, and, perhaps more importantly, how do you plan to approach decision-making for what goes in that site?
Here's what candidates had to say (in reverse alphabetical order):
At-Large A
Juliann Perrigo Talkington was unable to meet in-person or respond to questions sent virtually in time for publication. This will be updated if/when those responses are received or a meeting is set.
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James Oppenheimer said he'd love to see a soccer stadium in the Smithfield site, but that we need to see what's best for the city. At the end of the day, he's focused on finding something family-oriented.
"That needs to be an important part as we grow into where the Smithfield site is," he said. "Are we gonna create an attraction – whether it be a stadium, whether it be a shopping center, whether it be spaceships – Can we create something that is family oriented? And then you can build around that."
Vince Danh said he'd love to see Sioux Falls have its own version of Central Park, but, he noted, realistically the site will need to be developed and generate tax revenue.
"We have a lot of opportunity to make it right," Danh said. "And by making it right, I mean bringing in stakeholders from all areas, bringing in the families that live around there, bringing in people who want to make Falls Park a destination, and also listening to the workers at Smithfield. This is definitely an all-hands-on-deck situation. It’s really exciting. It's not often that you get to redevelop so much, especially for a city our size."
At-Large B
Samantha Scarlata said she wants to see affordable housing included in the plans for whatever goes on the Smithfield site.
"I'm a very strong advocate for more affordable housing," she added. "A lot of people for years and years, they keep talking about affordable housing – but what are they actually doing for affordable housing?"
Rich Merkouris said his focus would be on re-opening the downtown plan and the Falls Park master plan. One specific item he'd like to see discussed is doubling down on a new convention center.
"We can't just plan the new Smithfield area and then it hurts the rest of downtown, or Riverline or Whittier," Merkouris said. "We've gotta do it all together – Minnesota to Cliff (Avenues), 14th to Rice (Streets) – we’ve gotta have a master plan. I think that should be done similar to how we do the comprehensive plan in the city."
See all Simplified election coverage here:
