On Tuesday the Tennessee Department of Transportation unveiled an alternative proposal for possible improvements to State Route 126 (Memorial Boulevard) which TDOT officials said removes any threat to graves at East Lawn Cemetery, while also limiting adverse impact on historic Yancey’s Tavern.
A crowd pretty well filled a 240-seat area of the Kingsport Civic Auditorium early in the day for the first to two public hearings TDOT was set to host Tuesday.
Despite TDOT’s introduction of the new alternative — which agency officials said was a direct result of public comment earlier this year protesting potential relocation of 90 or more graves — many in the audience cheered and applauded after one man’s public comment focused on making clear he would not sit idly by if his family’s resting places were threatened by the road work.
“Don’t dig up my daddy,” the man said, going on to say he’d much prefer Yancey’s Tavern be moved than a single grave at East Lawn.
TDOT’s new alternative would avoid doing either, but would not result in a four-lane section of road between the two properties — and some people, including the Sullivan County Commission, are asking the state to four-lane that and other sections of SR126 between Center Street and Interstate 81.
Another public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sullivan Central High School.
Look for full coverage in Wednesday’s Kingsport Times-News.