By Shannon McFarlin, News Director
Paris, Tenn.–At a busy session Thursday night, the Paris City Commission conducted a public hearing on the Tyson Ave. multi-modal project, heard that the Memoranda of Understanding for the property being purchased for a new fire department has been signed and heard that former long-time Building Inspector Mike Brown is returning to his position.
The hearing was conducted by TLM Civil Engineer Bob Safin of Paris who outlined the TDOT grant project that will improve the intersections at Tyson, Mineral Wells. and Veterans Avenues.
Safin and City Manager Kim Foster said the project will not be a redesign, but instead an upgrade of the intersections with islands and sidewalks. One section of sidewalk will move from the area of the Sonic drive-in all the way south to the Henry County Extension/Drivers’ License offices.
Safin said a multi-modal grant takes into account other forms of transportation than vehicles–such as pedestrian traffic, bikes, buses, etc.
“This is one of the better grants you can get,” Safin said. The grant funds 90-95 percent of the project. The project will construct islands at intersections to make crossing the roadways safer for pedestrians. “There will be curbed islands, cross walks, pedestrian signalization on the islands” and they have handicapped ramps onto the islands.
The new sidewalk will be wide, as it will be designed so that two wheelchairs could be conveyed at the same time. The entire project, Safin said, “would meet all the latest standards.” Another bonus to the grant is that it funds all phases of the project.
Citizens at the hearing asked whether a grant to improve sidewalks and pedestrian crossings on West Wood Street near the “Y” intersection is a possibility. Foster said yes, that already is in the planning stages as is a grant for the East Wood/Fairground Rd./Chickasaw intersection. But, she cautioned, “These projects go very slowly.”
During the regular meeting, Foster reported that the memoranda of understanding has been signed by property owners for the planned purchase of property for the new fire department (on Hwy. 79S). The environmental study came back with just one minor notation about a potential issue from a property upstream. Volunteer Surveying is currently working to complete the property survey. Once it is completed, City Attorney James Smith will turn over documents to the Neese Law Firm which will prepare the closing.
In other business:
–Foster said she was “thrilled” to announced that Mike Brown will be returning to his old position of Building Inspector following the resignation of Jesse Skidmore. Brown was Building Inspector from 2011 to 2022, when he retired. He will be returning mid to late May.
–Mayor Kathy Ray said the ribbon-cutting for the new “Destination Paris” mural in downtown Paris will be held at 2:30 p.m. May 14.
–Commission approved second reading of the Code of Ethics; approved first reading of the amended budget; and approved resolutions to amend the Paris Police manual regarding mobile devices and the uniform policy for the Police Department.
Photo: Engineer Bob Safin outlines the project to upgrade the Tyson/Mineral Wells/Veterans Avenue intersections.