Another Parkway?

Resident pleads for less confusion casey@theheraldnewspapers.com The Pigeon Forge City Commission discussed a resolution, which would rename the new Middle Creek Road in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, as Veterans Parkway. A decision on the matter, however, was deferred until the commissioners’ next meeting following comments from meeting attendee Bob Barnes. City attorney Jim Gass presented the resolution: “It would be named Veterans Parkway for the entire length, including the part here in the City of Pigeon Forge…and it would also contemplate naming it in the City of Sevierville,” said city attorney Jim Gass. Middle Creek Road extends from its intersection with Dollywood Lane in Pigeon Forge, north to Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville. A motion was made by Commissioner Joyce Brackins to accept the renaming resolution, seconded by Commissioner Kevin McClure, but was halted to allow meeting attendee Bob Barnes to address the board. “I would never take a stab at anything as far as our veterans are concerned, but could we not consider using something other than ‘parkway,’” Barnes said, pleading with the board. “I give more directions than all of you all will in the rest of your lives. You are going to cause some turmoil with the use of the word ‘parkway,’” he said, suggesting perhaps boulevard be used instead. “I think it’s a great idea, but to name another road ‘parkway’ I think we’re asking for some trouble,” Barnes said, reiterating his point. “It is a good point,” conceded Pigeon Forge Mayor Ralph Chance, “because of Dolly Parton Parkway and The Parkway here.” “We did talk a lot about this with Sevierville,” said City Manager Earlene Teaster. “They really wanted to honor the veterans in some manor,” she said, adding that 9-1-1 urgently needed the cities to make a decision in this regard. Commissioner McClure said: “As long as Veterans is in it, I’m fine with it.” Following the discussion of Barnes’ suggestion, the commissioners elected to rescind their original motions to move forward with the resolution, and finally voted to defer the decision until their next board meeting. Gass pointed out that, since the road lies in both of the cities’ jurisdictions, the resolution would only become effective upon it being also passed the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the City of Sevierville. The City of Sevierville will be considering the same resolution at their next meeting, scheduled for July 10, beginning at 7 p.m.