Ferris gated alley concerns residents

FERRIS – If the gate is closed does that mean you can’t go inside?

That is what some residents are wondering right now about a new set of gates closing off the alley on 6^th Street and right in the middle of downtown Ferris.

The gated area leads to the side of the building housing the Ferris Corner Bar and Grill on one side.

At the other end of the gated area there is a second gate leaving a nice sitting area inside the gates on the side of the now indoor/ outdoor bar and grill.

Safety concerns were voiced by several residents over the gates.

“There is not any signage or reflected material on the gates,” said one local business owner.

The concern is at night the gates might not be seen by someone driving through the alley.

It was approved as a park inside the gates by council years ago, but somewhere there was also a reported stipulation tenants from the building on the other side of the enclosed park would also have access to inside the closed gates.

Another issue is how public property can be used for a private business?

Can other business wanting to expand their business use an alley next to them?

Some residents were concerned about the utility easement and the issue of access, but seemed to be a non-issue according to Ferris City Manager Bill Jordan.

Jordan said not to worry, “the gate is unlocked until after 4 p.m. and then it is locked, but there are also pedestrian gates to get inside as well.”

Jordan said regarding the utilities, the alley was abandoned as a right-of-way for the utility issue. “There is more to be done to the park,” he added.

“We are also making it handicapped accessible.”

It was the 4B board whose job it was to finally approve the gates that now have residents uncertain if the message is stay out or come on in, according to Jordan.

That vote was on Oct. 23.

While the vote was unanimous for the small park, 4B Board Chair Barbara Pardue said she voted yes, but voiced concerns.

It was also reported the project cost $15,955 in total of which Richard Ho, owner paid $11.200 for a palm tree, tables, outdoor televisions, an awning and resurfacing and the 4B board gave $4,755 for a palm tree and the actual gates on both ends of the alley.

Ho did not return calls for comment.