Residents Air Concerns at Community Meeting

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer 

For the first time in the history of the Sewanee Community Council, council representatives met with their constituents in a special session called for that purpose on March 25 at Sewanee Elementary School. The meetings were organized by district, with the District 2 and District 4 meetings especially well attended. 

Several District 2 constituents objected to the nomenclature “the Village” to distinguish the campus from the business district, as proposed in the new Vision Plan. They preferred the commonly used expression “downtown” to the humble connotations “village” implied. District 2 constituents also cited the need for a grocery store in Sewanee, expressed confusion about Fowler Center fees for seniors and raised concerns about the future of the Community Center.

Several District 4 constituents made a plea for the rejuvenation of Elliott Park, a once highly frequented community playground, saying there was nothing there now but a swing set, and the park was rarely used. Another District 4 constituent brought attention to trees down across from Abbo’s Alley at the intersection of North Carolina and South Carolina avenues, calling the appearance of the site “shabby.”

Constituents from both District 2 and District 4 took issue with the lack of parking in Sewanee. 

Vice-Chancellor John McCardell supported the idea of a shuttle service for special events, saying there were vans available that could be used for that purpose. Regarding a campus bus service, however, McCardell said a feasibility study needed to be done to determine if use would be sufficient to justify the environmental impact. A constituent said the University event registration form was being redesigned and would ask if special event parking was needed. (For special events, through prior authorization with the police department, arrangements can be made for parking on University Avenue, which is normally forbidden.)

Responding to the constituent who cited a need for more handicapped parking, Provost John Swallow said, “We can make more handicapped spots.” Constituents also suggested a rear entrance to duPont Library from the library parking lot.

Council representative Pam Byerly said maps were being created to show parking locations, and plans also called for signage marking approved parking areas.

In discussion about the future of the Community Center, slated for demolition in the new Vision Plan, McCardell said, “Sewanee will not be without a community center,” but no decisions had yet been made regarding use, location of a new facility and other details.

Council representative Theresa Shackelford said the Sewanee Civic Association parks committee was considering overseeing the renovation of Elliott Park, following the model of the Dog Park, a community project with the Civic Association providing oversight. Representative David Coe said 

Elliott Park was a community resource, and the University should assume responsibility for the renovation. 

Director of Physical Plant Services John Vineyard will address the issue of the downed trees across from Abbo’s Alley. McCardell said the Council would research the question about Fowler Center fees and report at the next meeting scheduled for April 22.