As projects funded by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds, the improvement of Summer Street, King Street and Martin Luther King Drive would include curb and gutter and sidewalk installations.
Initial plans for these projects were shown to the council and members of the audience by a representative of Peoples and Quigley, a Cartersville-based engineering firm. Proposed construction of the sidewalks would include a 5-foot-wide sidewalk and a 2-foot buffer of grass between the sidewalk and the back of the curb. After calculating for curb and gutter widths, the end result would extend 9 feet beyond the existing roadway.
The side of the street gaining a sidewalk stands to lose the most ground. The opposite side will contain only a curb and gutter. As proposed, the sidewalks will be placed on the north side of King Street, the south side of Summer Street and the north side of MLK Drive. All additions will remain within the 40-foot right-of-way as granted in the deeds.
Residents present at Tuesday's meeting raised concern over the loss of their already meager front yards. The old residential neighborhoods included within the plans are situated in close proximity to the road. Homeowners were assured that all efforts would be made to avoid the removal of trees but additional complaints arose from the issue of utility poles being moved further into their yards.
The council listened to all concerns voiced Tuesday evening and reminded the audience that these SPLOST projects were at one time requested by the residents. They are now some of the last remaining projects on the current SPLOST calendar.
Also on the agenda for Thursday's regular meeting is the second reading of an Erosion, Sediment and Pollution Control Ordinance as required by the state of Georgia and the second reading of the proposed Ethics Ordinance.
Tentatively added to the agenda are two items awaiting attorney approval. A lease agreement for the Frank Moore Complex and a contract for construction on phase one of the build-out for Vista Metals awarded to the lowest bidder, Southeastern Natural Gas Service.
The Adairsville City Council will meet to vote on these items at its regular meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. in city hall.