RINGGOLD, Ga. — Rumors a temporary closure of Mineral Avenue at Cloud Springs Road might become permanent had one concerned resident going to the Catoosa County Commission for help.
“The trucks I work on can’t make U-turns that would be required if Mineral is permanently closed,” Gary Headrick, who owns Headrick’s Body Shop Inc., told commissioners Tuesday.
“This is a mistake, and I need you gentlemen to get this changed,” Mr. Headrick said. “I’ve talked with several individuals about this issue. One said the county agreed to the permanent closure of Mineral Avenue about 10 years ago.”
He said there are three other businesses on the street that would also be impacted.
Commissioner Ken Marks said 150 housing units have been added at Fort Town Estates within the past decade, and those residents would be affected too.
Even with work to widen Cloud Springs Road affecting the intersection with Mineral Avenue, Mr. Headrick called the idea of closing the smaller road “ridiculous.”
“It doesn’t need to be closed for a week, let alone permanently. This will put a damper on my business,” he said, adding he has employed up to 20 workers at his shop over the years.
Commission Chairman Bill Clark said commissioners were unaware of any official agreement years ago — real or imagined — to close the street.
“We are contacting Sen. Mullis, our new transportation board representative Steve Farrow and others in an attempt to get this straightened out,” he said.
Following a closed executive session of the commission, Mr. Marks said he had new information from a call to state Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga and chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.
“He said Mineral Avenue will be closed temporarily on the Cloud Springs Road end. He said it is not to be permanently closed,” Commissioner Marks said.
Commissioners said they have worked with state officials to reach an agreement to extend Mack Smith Road across Cloud Springs Road for about 1,800 feet at an angle to tie in with Mineral Avenue.
Mr. Marks said the county is seeking state assistance to fund that proposed project.
