By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Paris City Commissioners heard the latest plans for the proposed water recreation area at Eiffel Tower Park from Travis Martin from TLM Associates in Jackson and were pleased to hear that an 8-10 foot tall Eiffel Tower which sprays water and contains slides will be a centerpiece of the area.
He told commissioners of the new features that had been added to the plan, which will include interactive fountains that glow in the dark, a mini-river with very shallow water that will have animal water features like frogs and turtles that kids can sit on while water sprays out. Also to be included is a water dome which sprays water evenly and 40 kids can play in at the same time.
The area also will include shades areas with large umbrellas and chairs
“It will have cool night time features”, he said, “but just really cool. It is close to 11,000 square feet of actual play space and it is a landmark piece. Really, really, really impressive I think.”
He said, “I’m very excited about this. I’m probably more excited about this project than any I’ve seen in 15 years.”
The entire area will be fenced and will be illuminated and include a nice entrance from the parking areas.
After both public input sessions held and the presentation from Martin, commissioners voted to approve the grant application.
On a related item, the city also adopted the proposed Paris Parks Master Plan. Prepared by TLM Associations, it is a 124-page document. City Manager Kim Foster reported that over 400 people filled out the survey which was used for the master plan.
Following another presentation from Parks and Recreation Director Tony Lawrence, the commission approved first reading on an ordinance that would amend the city’s cemetery policy to improve maintenance at city cemeteries.
The ordinance would provide clear guidelines for placement and maintenance of memorial objects within cemeteries.
Lawrence said “We’re not looking to change anything that is already at the cemeteries. This would only apply to things going forward.”
In other business:
–At the request of Board of Public Utilities General Manager Terry Wimberley, the commission authorized the issuance of refunding bonds for BPU. The reissuance request was discussed at length at last week’s BPU meeting. Wimberley said if it appears the BPU will save money on the bond reissuance, it will go ahead, but if it will not favor BPU, it will not be finalized.
–Several property owners were on hand for the public hearing on changes to zoning in the downtown central business district. Most of the property owners had questions regarding how rezoning would affect their properties.
For several months now the Planning Commission has been studying the zoning districts in and around the Downtown Central Business District. Currently most of the downtown area is B-2 (Central Business District). However, the outlying areas are not a good fit for this district classification. City Economic Development Director Jennifer Morris said, “With rezoning, basically, any area that has on-street parking will remain in the core B-2 District. The outlying areas will become an alternate TRB, B-1 or B-3 District. Some of the areas that are truly residential will be blended into the adjacent residential areas.”
A public hearing also was held on a proposed ordinance that would set standards for outdoor and indoor mini-storage facilities downtown.
Both ordinances were approved.
A first reading on a rezoning request from Darmesh Patel for property located on Mineral Wells Ave that currently are zoned M-2. He has requested zoning for B-1.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin
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