Since their last meeting October 7th, the City Council has solicited input from downtown businesses concerning the proposal for leaning rails in the West Depot Street area. The City Council Tuesday will discuss that feedback and consider moving ahead with the purchase and install of the rails. That item is one of seven items on the agenda for the 4:00 pm meeting of the council in the G. Thomas Love Board Room at the GEA Building.
The other agenda items are special event applications for:
The Gentry to host Depot Nights for Halloween October 31st and a Thankful and Bright event November 21st. Two other special event applications at The Gentry are Shake, Rattle and Roll May 8th and Oktoberfest September 19th.
A special event application for the 2025 Greeneville Christmas Parade December 7th and Midnight on Main December 31.
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Depot Street Railings- Community Feedback Report
October 16, 2025
Overview
On Thursday October 9th, businesses and property owners along West Depot Street were contacted via email to provide feedback on the proposed railing design and potential installation locations. Responses were requested by Wednesday, October 15th, at 5:00 pm in order to complete a summary of comments, concerns, and suggestions for City Council review.
Respondents
• The Gentry
• Greeneville Antique Market
• Deluxe on Depot
• Theatre Guild
• Greeneville City Schools
• SMN Investments/Morgan Corporation/Depot Street Development
• Jan’s Salon
• Blue Mountain Photo Studio
• Mickey Ellis, CPA
• Main Street: Greeneville
• State of Tennessee Probation and Parole
Summary of feedback included: positive remarks; concerns and questions regarding
design preference, functionality and placement, safety and maintenance, regulatory and
aesthetic considerations.
• Some supported the addition of railings, noting they would be beneficial during
festivals and special events.
• Some praised the ongoing improvement to Depot Street, including landscaping,
lighting, and walkability.
• A few felt the railings could add visual interest and attract additional businesses to
the area.
• Some respondents like the concept but expressed reservations about the current
design, describing it too industrial or fence-like.
• Requests were made to explore alternative designs that better complement the
character of downtown.
• Questions were raised regarding whether railings might obstruct entrances,
windows, or limit space for vehicle access (ex. car doors and child car seats)
• A few requested clearer visual renderings showing exact placement in relation to
buildings, trees, benches, hydrants, and existing infrastructure.
• Suggestions included customizing railing sizes to fit specific spaces.
• Questions were asked about who would be responsible for cleaning and
maintaining the railings.
• Concerns were noted about potential misuse such as accumulation of litter,
vandalism, or personal item storage.
• Clarification was sought on whether tabletops would have rounded corners to
reduce injury risk.
• One asked whether tabletops would imply that alcoholic drinks could be taken
onto the street.
• A few respondents questioned the necessity of all fourteen proposed railings,
suggesting a more selective approach to installation.
• Others recommended addressing the sidewalk slope directly rather than adding
railings as a mitigation measure.
Overall Response
Overall, the feedback reflected appreciation for the Town’s willingness to seek
community input. Respondents acknowledged the City Council’s efforts to enhance
downtown safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. While opinions varied, the consensus
highlighted strong statements for revisions that preserve Depot Street’s charm while
addressing safety and functional needs.
