Paris, Tenn.–North Poplar Street in downtown Paris will be closed to allow the removal of a hollowed-out tree from the corner of the court square at the intersection of Poplar and Wood Streets.
Early in the morning on Friday, June 11, Paris Public Works received a call for a clean up downtown after a large branch fell from a tree on the southeast corner of the courthouse lawn.
After close examination by Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway and advisors, it was determined that the tree is hollowed and dead.
City officials said, “This poses a danger to the surrounding area and pedestrians in the immediate area.”
Work to remove the tree will begin on Wednesday, June 16, next week. Unfortunately due to the size of the tree it will be necessary to close the street.
On Wednesday next week, June 16, beginning at 7 a.m., North Poplar Street will be closed from the East Wood Street intersection to the Washington Street intersection. The street will remain closed until Thursday evening, June 17, following the previously scheduled concert to be held in conjunction with the Tennessee River Jam. The Oak Ridge Boys will be performing in downtown Paris at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 17.
Businesses affected by the closure will be Commercial Bank and Trust, The Iron Place, Vintage Quarterly in the Cadillac Jack building and Bill Looney, attorney’s office.
We regret that we must close the street but due to safety concerns it will be necessary. Parking will be available on Washington and Wood Streets, those businesses on this block of North Poplar will remain open for business both Wednesday and Thursday.
City officials said, “It is unfortunate and we apologize that the street must be closed but we encourage everyone to continue their patronage to those businesses affected, they have been very cooperative and understanding.”