By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—The future of the Paris Landing Inn was on the minds of visitors to the Henry County Commission Monday night, with two candidates for the office of 7th District State Representative asking the commission to pass a resolution asking the state to delay demolition of the Inn until the next governor is elected.
The request was made initially by Richard Carl of Paris, who is running as a Democrat for the position, which currently is held by State Rep. Tim WIrgau, R-Paris.
Carl noted that both Dover city council and the Stewart County Commission have passed resolutions seeking the delay and Carl said he also has requested that Camden and Benton Co. do the same. “I would urge you to do it quickly, because the bulldozers start in August.”
As previously reported by WENK/WTPR, the state plans to demolish the Inn and replace it with a smaller facility. The state has called a public input session to discuss plans for the Inn and the park and the session is set for 5 p.m. this Thursday at the Inn.
Bruce Griffey of Paris, who is a candidate for Wirgau’s position, also asked the commission to consider a resolution seeking a delay, citing the lost revenue coming to the county while the Inn is shut down. Griffey is running for the position as a Republican.
Henry County Mayor Brent Greer noted that the county “is extremely concerned and engaged with what is going on with the Paris Landing Inn” and he encouraged the commissioners to attend Thursday night’s meeting.
“We need to look at what we are going to do if they tear down the Inn. It will cause significant pain to the county and we all know that,” he said.
He suggested that the commission wait until after Thursday’s public input session before it decides on such a resolution. “This is a very challenging time for Henry County; One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced in many years. I think our citizens need to see their plan for what they intend to do here,” he said.
Greer said the county requested the public input session “and the state was respectful that they did agree to come here and meet with our citizens.”
In other business during a busy but relatively short session:
–The commission affirmed passage of the Wheel Tax for Henry County for school funding purposes, as discussed at length at previous meetings.
–The commission approved a resolution authorizing participation in the Houston-Galveston Area Council, a purchasing group which will mean thousands of dollars in savings for the county each year, according to County Road Supervisor Richie Chilcutt.
–The commission appointed Craig Peevyhouse as Assistant Coroner to replace ML Bailey while he is on leave of absence.
Photo: Bruce Griffey speaks at commission meeting, with Richard Carl seated. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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