Soddy Daisy Takes Possession Of Longtime Privately-Owned Road At Request Of Residents

  • Friday, June 19, 2015
  • Gail Perry

Houses on either side of Cox Lane are in the city limits of Soddy Daisy, but the road itself is privately owned. For years residents who live there have wanted the city to take possession of the road and assume responsibility for its maintenance. However one longtime homeowner was not willing to give up the right of way in front of her house which prevented the city from taking it over. This resident has now decided to give up the 18-foot strip of right-of-way, making it possible for the city to own the 300 feet of roadway in question.

Commissioner Gene Shipley said an estimate of taxes paid by the houses on Cox Lane is around $6,000 to $7,000 yearly. The road was repaved several years ago and is in good condition so it will not need to be resurfaced any time soon. The only thing needed immediately is work on the ditches bordering the road to prevent the road bed from washing out.

A vote for the city to accept Cox Lane was unanimous on the condition that a survey is performed if City Attorney Sam Elliott determines one is needed.

City Manager Janice Cagle told the commissioners that TDOT has made a recommendation that the speed limit be reduced from 40 to 35 mph on Dayton Pike between Porter Road and Hatlin Drive. A motion to accept the recommendation was approved by the commissioners.

Owners of the Tall Pines mobile home park, Elaine and Drew Hollenbeck are in the process of building a strip mall on the road entering their property. Plans were submitted and approved by the planning commission allowing the project to be built. After the construction was well underway, the owners requested a change to access the property, claiming their engineers say the originally planned and approved entrance will be dangerous. The city manager works closely with the same engineering company and has not been warned of any safety concerns.

Ms. Hollenbeck said she and her son had been to the planning commission asking for approval to make a  change but it was denied. Ms. Cagle told her that the next step would be to appeal the decision to the zoning board and if that fails, the only recourse would be in a court of law. Mayor Rick Nunley told her that a $5 million road project has been planned for that area of Dayton Pike for creating a turn lane.

The mayor also announced that Connie Dodd, owner of If It’s Tails Pet Grooming has volunteered to join the parks and recreation board. With the announcement at the commission meeting, her appointment becomes official.

The gates at the Big Soddy Gulf Park will be opened on Saturday to allow people to drive into the park to provide access to those with physical disabilities or who are unable to walk in. Hours will be from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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