By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A contingent of Atkins-Porter Neighborhood residents were on hand at Thursday evening’s meeting of the Paris City Commission to speak out about the ‘horrendous’ condition of streets in the neighborhood.
Ongoing infrastructure and other work by the city, Paris Board of Public Utilities and TEC for the past few months has caused difficult conditions in most every street in the neighborhood.
Spokesperson Eric Kugot said he has sent 80 photos of ongoing conditions to city officials, as well as emails. He also has posted his concerns on the AP Neighborhood Facebook page, with numerous neighbors in agreement.
River Byrd said he supports Kugot’s concerns and asked the city “to see what can be done in the AP neighborhood. I appreciate the need for infrastructure improvements, but we do need to get the streets back to normal.”
BPU President Terry Wimberley said, “It doesn’t hurt to apologize for the BPU’s part in making this situation. We do take our responsibility seriously and the AP neighborhood is on our radar. And it’s not just particular to the AP neighborhood. We have ongoing projects right now” throughout the city.
Noting that she grew up in the AP neighborhood, Commissioner Jackie Jones noted, “We have so many parts of this situation that are causing frustration.”
Commissioner Sam Tharpe said, “Please bear with us. We’re doing the best we can.” He also noted that other sections of town, including the Irvine, McCampbell and Osse Street neighborhoods have had ongoing problems for years. He noted the city is working now on much-needed improvements to infrastructure, as well as installing much-needed sidewalks in town, including West Wood St.
“Everyone is going to have to be a little patient,” he said.
Commissioner Vickey Roberts, who lives in the AP neighborhood, noted that it is one of the older neighborhoods in Paris “and the infrastructure is old. We’ll get it done, but people need to be patient.”
Mayor Kathy Ray thanked Kogut for his concern with the neighborhood and noted that the Atkins-Porter Neighborhood Association “are great partners in the community and always will be.”
In other business:
–Foster announced construction of the Tyson/Mineral Wells Ave. intersection upgrades and sidewalks is scheduled to begin May 4.
–For the 2018 signalization and safety upgrade project at three downtown intersections, there has been an 8-11 months delay in traffic signal equipment. TLM will set a pre-conference later when the contractor can begin work.
–Foster reported the Brooks Street project hopefully will get started next week, depending on the weather.
–Matt Wood of Alexander, Thompson, Arnold, gave a report on the Fiscal 2025-2026 audit, saying it was a “clean audit” and that the city fund balance “is in a good position”.
–Rob Goad, Executive Director of the Paris-Henry County Industrial Committee, provided the same update on the Industrial Park that he presented earlier to the Henry County Commission. The Industrial Park is located on the Hwy. 218 Bypass.
–Upon recommendation of City Attorney James Smith, the commission approved a resolution formally dissolving the landfill committee, which has not met since the establishment of the current andfill and is no longer needed. A similar resolution was approved by the Henry County Commission at its last meeting.
Photo: Eric Kogut speaks to commissioners about conditions of streets in the AP Neighborhood. Shannon McFarlin photo.