By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It appears there is significant movement toward a resolution to the non-compliance issue involving a sidewalk on Volunteer Drive following Thursday afternoon’s special meeting.
A number of concerned citizens were on hand for the session, at which City Attorney James Smith informed commissioners that “significant progress” was made during a recent discussion with Contractor Wyatt Owens and follow-up discussions with his son Brent Owens.
Smith said Owens expressed frustration over the federal regulations which have prompted the continuing disagreement over the sidewalk. “I told him I knew it is challenging dealing with federal laws…and he said he is willing to work with the city to find a solution.” Owens did say he was unwilling to pay for the fix because he already has spent time and resources on the sidewalk.
At the September 7 meeting of the commission, Smith gave background on the situation which began in July of 2022 when the builder was issued a permit for curb cut for two driveway connections to two newly-constructed homes on Volunteer. By mid-August, 2022, the curb cut had been poured by the builder. Soon after, the city of Paris was notified of a complaint by a citizen who said the sidewalk did not appear compliant with ADA regulations. The situation progressed from that point with the city posting a sign saying the sidewalk was not safe and for pedestrians to use caution.
During this week’s session with Owens, Smith said Owens “was gracious and said if the city comes up with a plan, he would review it. He wants his homebuyers to be satisfied.”
Brent Owens worked on the sidewalk Wednesday, planing out the slope, Smith said, and although the new slope still does not meet ADA regulations, “he spent a good deal of time and energy trying to find a solution. It’s given us hope that there is a solution.”
Smith noted that social media has been busy lately with photos and comments about other sidewalks in the city of Paris and he recommended a plan in which all the sidewalks that pose a danger be addressed. The city needs a “roadmap” by which modifications to city sidewalks would follow.
As he did at the previous meeting, Smith addressed the issue of why this particular sidewalk drew attention from the city. “It’s because this is an alteration to a sidewalk and we have to make sure it complies to ADA regulations.” Following that, the city needs to bring all sidewalks into compliance “and we have to do it as we can afford to do it”.
Smith said the parties involved are in agreement that if the city pays the engineering costs, the builder and homeowner would agree to the modifications to the sidewalk (not the driveway).
“I have a high level of optimism” that the situation will be resolved.
After a motion by Commissioner Sam Tharpe, the city commission voted unanimously to hire an engineer to develop a plan for the sidewalk that meets ADA requirements.
Photo: City Attorney James Smith shows commissioners drawings of the needed sidewalk modifications. Shannon McFarlin photo.