THOMASVILLE — A resident attending a Monday session to gather input on proposed South Pinetree Boulevard proposed an interesting question.

“I’ve yet to hear why any of this is needed,” the resident said.

Council member David Hufstetler said a traffic study showed a significant future increase in traffic on the stretch of Pinetree in question — from West Jackson Street to Magnolia Street. The audience disagreed.

“We need to look at what might happen in 10 to 15 years,” said Mayor Greg Hobbs, adding that Southwestern might reopen. Hobbs’ referred to the former state mental hospital located along Pinetree Boulevard.

Council member Todd Mobley asked how much the city will pay on proposed projects, which involves a $3 million Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) grant.

Chris White, city assistant utilities superintendent, said money would be left over if the road is resurfaced and restriped.

Mobley asked about Pinetree improvements from Magnolia to Old Monticello Road. Wayne Newsome, interim city engineer, responded that there are no plans beyond Magnolia.

Mobley asked why work would stop at Magnolia when Pinetree to Old Monticello is in “terrible” shape.

“In the future, those people don’t deserve sidewalks?” the council member asked.

Newsome told Mobley that Pinetree from Magnolia to Old Monticello will be resurfaced in 2019.

The mayor interjected that it was important to focus the discussion on the section of Pinetree in question.

About 75 percent of the DOT’s $3 million would be used between West Jackson and Magnolia, White said, adding that DOT favors a roundabout at Magnolia and Pinetree.

The audience made it clear they are not in favor of a roundabout.

Several people said the $3 million should be returned to DOT. 

“They don’t live in our community,” a resident said.

In presenting various options for Pinetree work, White said resurfacing and restriping would be a minimum of $2 million less costly than other proposals that include sidewalks, curb and gutter, turn lanes, a center lane and multi-use trails.

Curb and gutter, he said, would help address a storm water issue on the stretch.

Money from the DOT grant cannot be used for right-of-way acquisition or utilities relocations, which would be funded through special purpose local option sales tax revenue, White said.

Another listening session is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers at city hall, 144 E. Jackson St.

Residents’ input at Monday and Tuesday listening sessions will be compiled and presented to city council at a 4 p.m. Wednesday workshop in the council conference room at city hall.