Cookeville Considering Sidewalk Grant for Willow, 12th Street

Cookeville City Council will consider applying for a sidewalk grant that would improve pedestrian travel in the area of North Willow Avenue and West 12th Street near Tennessee Tech.

Planning Director James Mills said if the city applies, they will be in competition with others across the state for the grant, including a proposal from Putnam County.

“I don’t know what our chances are in this. I did talk to the coordinator with the development district [Monday],” Mills said. “They’re only expecting two applicants from this region. It would be us and [Putnam] County. But since we do have an active project, it may hurt us. But if nobody else applies they have to spend the money somewhere, so we do have a chance to get this.”

If approved, new sidewalk would be installed along the east side of North Willow between West 12th and Jere Whitson Avenue, as well as the north side of West 12th between North Willow and Virginia Avenue.

Mills said Tennessee Tech and President Phil Oldham have submitted a letter of support for the project as the sidewalks would benefit students living in apartments in the area.

“When we went out to take photographs, which is required as part of the packet,” Mills said, “there were students, they go where they can but then there’s areas there where they have to actually get out onto the street and walk. 12th is really needed but we’re going to add that because it’s within a quarter of a mile of Willow.”

What complicates the process is the sidewalk proposal being submitted by Putnam County is also within the city, adding a walkway near Cookeville High School and the soccer complex. If that project is approved, the North Willow and West 12th proposal may also be approved.

Mayor Ricky Shelton said he’s fine with either project being selected by the state as long as at least one of them is chosen.

“We want both projects, and if we can’t have both projects, and if there’s only going to be one project, we’re good with it being the County’s project first,” Shelton said. “But we want both projects or at least one project for Cookeville.”

The proposal was discussed during the city’s work session Monday and will be decided upon by Council during Thursday’s meeting at 5:30 p.m. If council approves the application, Mills will submit the proposal Friday.