New sidewalk possible at Norris Middle
The Board of Education approved an easement for the city of Norris to build a sidewalk that might extend 15 feet onto Norris Middle School’s property.
The measure passed unanimously at the Monday, Nov. 10 meeting. The resolution stated the sidewalk will improve pedestrian access and safety near the school.
Norris City Manager Bailey Whited told The Courier News the city was requesting the easement to allow for the option to build onto school property, not because the city knew the precise route or time of construction yet.
“We are looking at different ways of handling and addressing the needs down there,” he said. However, he said that there is no formal plan yet and no dates for construction.
Whited said the existing sidewalk is “one of the most heavily traversed” areas in town by students, residents and non-residents alike. He said however, the current sidewalk abuts some “very mature trees.” An improved “proper” sidewalk he said might damage those trees, so a new one, possibly closer to the middle school would be a better option to avoid cutting them down.