by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the May 18 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council revisited two issues raised in March and made plans to take action on both fronts: traffic calming measures to curtail excessive speeding and upgrades to the dog park to address muddy areas and the need for more shade. The council also appointed a representative to serve on the Lease Committee and an election officer to help coordinate the November council member election.

Provost Scott Wilson cited a long list of areas with chronic excessive speeding identified by the Traffic Committee: Willie Six Road, the Fowler Center crossing area, Florida Avenue, Lost Cove Road, Breakfield Road, Bob Stewman Road, and University Avenue, especially at the main entrance to campus. Wilson cautioned regulations related to topography such as elevation changes and curves could prevent installing speed humps on some streets. He proposed purchasing two additional sets of speed humps, six speed limit signs, and a flashing sign alerting motorists of their speed, cost $9,000. Wilson said if the council Project Funding program contributed $4,500, the University would match the amount. Council member Michael Payne suggested lowering the speed limit to 15 mph in some places. “That would need to be negotiated with the police,” Wilson said. “There are a lot of places where people don’t even know what the speed limit is.” The council approved the $4,500 allocation for the measures Wilson recommended.

Raising a related concern, council member Katie Gohn called attention to the speed limit on Highway 41A increasing to 55 mph at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School. In addition to the school entrance, Gohn cited residential roads entering the highway and excessive truck traffic posing safety risks. Council member Phil White observed the speed limit was 45 mph from Cowan to Winchester, but the Tennessee Department of Transportation rejected a previous effort to lower the speed limit to 45 mph between Sewanee and Monteagle. Superintendent of Leases Sallie Green will research the procedure for changing the speed limit on a state highway.

Resident Andrew Cowan who in March argued for upgrades at the Phil White Dog Park, presented a list of specifics: pavement in a heavily trafficked area prone to getting muddy, benches, and a few shade trees. Currently there was only one tree, a persimmon, Cowan said. A climbing vine overtaking the fence also needed addressed. Cowan referred to the Dog Park as a “beloved amenity. It’s wonderful already.” Cowan has received verbal commitments to help with the cost of the proposed upgrades, estimate $18,000.

Green said the $11,000 in the Park’s Budget was likely an inadequate source of funding, since the allocation was for all the Sewanee parks and other parks had maintenance needs, as well. Green suggested the Project Funding program as a possible funding mechanism, with up to $10,000 available annually. “Based on conversations with people around the Domain, I don’t anticipate needing that,” Cowan said.

Wilson said University Farm Manager Carolyn Hoagland reported good results with goats eating the vines on University Farm pasture fences. Hoagland said the goats could be brought to the dog park at specific times set aside for that purpose.

Council member Kevin Cummings volunteered to serve as the council representative on the Lease Committee. Katie Gohn will serve as the election officer for November 2026 council member election.

Council representative Ed Hawkins brought up the need for a ramp to make the Community Center accessible to people in wheelchairs, since council meetings take place there. Wilson said the council was considering meeting at St. Mark’s Community Center next year and that building had a ramp.