by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the March 23 Sewanee Community Council meeting, council members John Gilmer and Laura Willis raised red flags about danger to pedestrians from motorists driving at speeds far exceeding the speed limit. School of Theology representative Gilmer called attention to speeding on University Avenue and Tennessee Avenue. At-large representative Willis cited the straight away on Roark’s Cove Road between Alston Lane and Kirby Smith Road where no sidewalks and deep ditches increased the danger.

Prior to the meeting, Gilmer put a call out to his constituents asking about concerns. He applauded the efforts of the Sewanee Police to curtail speeding by patrolling. But he recently saw a car travelling an estimated 50 mph on Tennessee Avenue. “It’s like they expect they can speed without consequences [when there are no police],” Gilmer observed. Poor lighting at crosswalks worsened the danger to pedestrians, especially in the Woodlands residential area, Gilmer added. “Motorists can’t see people crossing.”

Council member Phil White suggested tag cameras as a solution. “Where they’re installed they work,” White said. The motion activated cameras photograph speeders license plates. Sewanee has two tag cameras, located in the vicinity of the Wellness Commons and the hospital, said Police Chief Jeremy Thomas, but the units were expensive. Council representative Evelyn Patton speculated the fines collected would offset the cost. “That wouldn’t help,” Thomas explained. “Sewanee doesn’t have a speeding ticket with a University fine. It would be a state citation.” Thomas encouraged residents to report excessive speeding. The police would respond in kind by increasing patrol.

Willis proposed a different solution. “I want speed humps between Alston Lane, where the Woodlands start, and Kirby Smith Road,” she said. The sharp curve just past Kirby Smith Road compounded Willis’ concerns. “Drivers coming up the mountain can’t see pedestrians on the road ahead,” Willis insisted.

Provost Scott Wilson offered an overview of past speed hump installation projects. A Student Security Grant financed the speed hump installation in 2024, with the focus of the grant emphasizing student safety determining the location of the speed humps. In 2025 the University matched a $6,000 Project Funding grant to the council to pay for two sets of speed humps, cost $5,000 per pair. Residents’ complaints about speeding guided the decision on the locations. Wilson speculated if the Project Funding Committee recommended and the council authorized additional money for speed humps, the University would match the amount.

Each year, the Council’s Project Funding Committee receives $10,000 from the University to allocate for projects that enhance the Sewanee community and improve the quality of life of residents. There was uncertainty about who is overseeing the Project Funding program at the present. June Weber who headed up the Project Funding Committee no longer serves on the council. Post meeting Willis reported plans called for resolving the issue of the committee’s leadership in the near future.

In other business, resident Andrew Cowan expressed concern about the need for rehabilitation at the dog park. A regular dog park visitor, Cowan recommended paving muddy high traffic areas, shade trees, and benches. He plans to submit a formal proposal. Robert Benton, Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management, said he would check on the amount of funds available in the dog park account. White cited an additional problem, invasive weeds. A resident suggested goats could help control vegetation.

The Sewanee Community Clean Up is scheduled for May 2, 9-11 a.m. Wilson said participants typically gathered at the Welcome Center and convened afterwards at Angel Park.

Council meeting dates for the 2026-2027 academic year are Aug. 24 (reserve), Sept. 21, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 (reserve), Jan. 25, Feb. 15 (reserve), March 22, April 26 (reserve), May 24, and June 28 (reserve). Reserve dates are optional, depending on business needing addressed.