By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Following this week’s pedestrian fatality in Hospital Circle behind the Henry County Hospital, city of Paris officials and hospital staff will meet Monday morning on site to discuss what actions need to be taken to improve the traffic situation.
City Manager Kim Foster told the city commission Thursday night that city officials have been discussing the situation with hospital personnel since the accident. “We’re discussing different options to improve the crosswalk (where the accident happened),” she said after the meeting. “We’re definitely going to restripe the crosswalk and we’re looking at additional lighting options.”
The victim of the accident was identified as Tina Robertson of the Buchanan area. She was crossing Hospital Circle at around 5:39 am going to work at Henry County Medical Center, when she was struck by a van belonging to Northwest Tennessee Human Resources Agency. The van was driven by Thomas Seabaugh of Springville.
Emergency Medical treatment was rendered to her by AMR Henry County ambulance service and the Henry County Medical Center Emergency room staff, but they were unable to save her life.
–In other business during a busy meeting, the commission approved a rezoning request for property that was recently annexed into the City limits at the corner of HWY 218/HWY 79 S. A Circle K convenience store and gas station is planned for the property.
Circle K requested the property be rezoned from R-1 (residential) to B-1 (highway commercial). The request was adopted on first reading and sent to the Planning Commission for recommendation. The Planning Commission reviewed the request at its February meeting and recommended the request be granted.
—Upon recommendation of City Attorney James Smith, the commission approved a comprehensive revision of the beer ordinance to better align with the changes that are being made in the beer industry today.
Smith said, “Additionally, this revision aims to support the needs of local businesses, facilitate future development, and comply with the standards set forth by the State of Tennessee.”
The ordinance was passed on first reading, but since then has been tweaked in several areas to address suggestions and concerns voiced by the commission.
Henry County Prevention Coalition Director Darrah Crawford was on hand for the meeting and Smith said the group will be partnering with the city to facilitate the training required of vendors.
Smith also said the beer board will be increased from 5 to 7 members, with a quorum set at 4.
Crawford said the Coalition is able to partner with the city at this point because of an increase in her staff.
–The commission approved an overhaul of the ordinance governing site plans to upgrade and modernize the submission process.
–The commission approved a rezoning request for 53 Myatt Rd. for property owner who is in process of selling it. Currently the property is zoned P-B (Planned Business). They are requesting it be rezoned Residential.
Looking at the property, city staff recommended rezoning the remainder of the road that is within city limits.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin.