News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Baxter officials will look for a state or local entity to take over maintenance of the local right of way
Public Works Director John Ramsey requested the right of way be given back to the state in Thursday’s city board meeting. In the midst of a vote, Building Inspector Bob Lane said it might be worth reconsidering.
“The state had it for a long time and they let it grow up,” Lane said. “And it gets in terrible shape. And I don’t have any leverage to make them clean it up. And that’s sort of why we did that. And I feel like that’s probably going to happen again.”
Ramsey said his workers had cleaned up the area some time ago and somehow they had ended up responsible. Lane said he had tried to get Speedway to take over maintenance because he wasn’t able to influence TDOT.
Mayor John Martin said he would make an effort with the state.
“I’ll make as many calls as I can,” Martin said. “It’s not fair for the city to take that on.”
Lane said he thought Speedway was still a possibility and he would contact them again.
“It’s right there in front of our businesses,” Lane said. “It’s a tough situation.”
