A possible bridge closing in Newton could be causing issues for a local business.
Eva McDonald, owner of Tinka Tonka Day Care, said an order that was issued to the City of Newton to close the South Pilate Avenue Bridge will hurt her business. While the bridge wasn’t immediately closed earlier this month, it is possible that the bridge will be closed up to six months, according to city officials.
This isn’t the first time that her day care has been affected by a bridge closing. Earlier this year, half of the bridge was closed by the federal government because it failed inspection after all but a few wooden pilings were replaced with metal pilings.
Now, the same issue has come up again after Gov. Phil Bryant proposed closing another 100 bridges statewide.
“This should have been fixed the first time,” McDonald said. “I don’t know of any other business who has been affected like this.”
Public Works Director Fred Snow said the bridge has already been repaired, but the state hasn’t been able to come out and reinspect the bridge. If the bridge isn’t re-inspected in the next few weeks, the city would be forced to close the bridge until it can be re-inspected.
“It could take up to six months for us to get someone out here to re-inspect the bridge,” Snow said. “We’ve done all we can at this point. The bridge has been repaired. We’re just waiting on an inspector to come out and clear us.”
Snow said they have contacted people at the state level to get the bridge inspected as soon as possible, but they weren’t aware of when an inspector could make it back to Newton to look at the repairs.
In other business, the Newton Board of Aldermen:
• Heard from Dr. Keisha Oliphant about a new health initiative that could help free up the funding for the city to promote activities for a healthier community. This could include grants for building walking trails and other park-related items.
• Submitted an application and a memorandum of understanding for a $582,000 grant.
• Approved registration for Bob Bridges and Eric McCalphia to attend the mid-winter conference in Jackson on Jan. 8-10, 2019.
• Closed City Hall for Nov. 22 and 23 for the Thanksgiving holidays and close at 2 p.m. on Nov. 21.
• Discussed an ordinance to regulate slow-speed vehicles to be driven on city roads.
• Purchased a 1/8th page ad in the Newton County Appeal Christmas edition for $150.
• Discussed financing a mobile home for LifeCare EMS to replace its current office.
• Set hearings for Sharonda Moore (108 Parker St.), Leroy White estate (101 Belmont Ave.), ACC Tax Sales (200 High St.) and Brian Cole (Specialtees, 415 Decatur St.).
• Paid claims docket totaling $102,897.91.
