Town gives up rights to Fry Street
After years of controversy and debate, the town of Bryson City has finally approved relinquishing its right of way to Fry Street as well as a connecting portion of Greenlee Street.
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and the Swain County Chamber of Commerce have requested to closure of Fry Street for several years citing pedestrian safety concerns near the train depot, but the town board has voted it down. However, this time the request came with an offer of property in exchange for the right of way.
The town purchased a 7-acre tract at 601 Bryson City Walk right along the Tuckasegee River last October for $200,000 but the train owns another 2.6 acres of adjacent property that the town could use. The train offered up the additional land if the town would approve the closure. The train will maintain a 25-foot right of way surrounding the railroad tracks that run along the Bryson Yard property.
Mayor Tom Sutton said another 2.6 acres would help the town in future growth, especially when it comes time to expand wastewater treatment capacity at its plant just across the road. For him and two other aldermen — Heidi Woodard-Ramsey and Ben King — it was a good deal for the town.
The motion to give up the right of way passed 3 to 2 with Aldermen Jim Gribble and Janine Crisp still opposed to it.
— Jessi Stone, news editor
