CROSSVILLE CHRONICLE Opinion   Mike Moser "I Say" Trees, parking lots and other issues The Crossville City Council made a wise decision in closing the street just south of the new municipal building, at least from a safety standpoint. The street was confusing because on the Henry Ave. side of City Hall, those paying water bills at the drive-thru window had to turn into the wrong way against outgoing traffic. Granted, there isn't a lot of traffic on that street ­ which probably also weighed in council's decision to close the street. Nevertheless, it was an accident waiting to happen. * * * Haven't the Bradford pear trees been lovely, welcoming an early spring? I know of two cities in Georgia, Columbus and Richland, where a campaign was waged to plant dogwood trees through those communities. The result is much like Knoxville, but without the festival. People just drive through the community, enjoying the blanket of white petals. Crossville could easily become a spring destination if we would all continue planting Bradford pear trees throughout the community. I remember when there was opposition to the planting of these trees along Main St. Now, like many other projects that were opposed in the past, it looks pretty smart today. * * * Steve Hewett of EFS, a Nashville-based school building company that built Stone Elementary School, made a "courtesy" visit to the county commission this week, showing plans for renovations at Crab Orchard, Pine View and Pleasant Hill elementary schools. All three schools desperately need the work. However, it has been months and months since the county commission approved millions and we distinctly remember the school board, through its spokesman, stating that they would: 1) Get started within 45 days, and 2) Would not ask for more money for these projects. Stay tuned. Some interesting meetings lie ahead. * * * The old Chronicle building is gone, as most of you have noticed, and much has been said about its demise. I watched the first prestressed concrete beam as it was removed, and watched the last tumble down. It was quite amazing to watch the work. Advertising Director Becky Gilley spent 22 years working in that building. Head Pressman Jim Burks 18 or 19 years, and I spent 16 years as editor. While the building was structurally sound, cost to renovate the La Frances Building and bring it up to today's standards would be very, very high. And the one thing that hurt our business, lack of parking, would hurt any potential tenant. We did not even have enough parking for our employees. Rest assured, Jack Chadwell and the good folks at Highland Federal Bank will make good use of the space. The savings institution is suffering growing pains and the need for parking and an anytime teller is great. The corner of Main St. and Stanley St. will be made attractive and put to good use. With the Palace roof gone, holes patched on the old education building across from the courthouse, and the Chronicle building gone, I just wonder where the bats and pigeons are gonna sleep now. * * * I guess I am in the minority in wondering why the city had to cut down two trees in the lot behind the new municipal building. Maybe it is selfish of me, but I liked the shade one tree provided and the golden hue that crowned it in the fall. It only took about 60 years to grow that tree. I guess we needed two more parking spaces worse than we needed the tree. Use your browser's back button to return to the previous page