The long debate over paving Dogwood Trail near an industrial site in Tyrone got a kick-start during Wednesday night's council meeting.

The town voted to fund $19,000 toward getting the road completed, but added that industrial tenant MDT would have to get busy on building the road.

The discussion started early this year, when MDT, which manufactures large umbrellas, asked the council to relocate the roadway through its property for better access. The company wants to build three warehouses and agreed to rezone the northern part of the property residential if the town would realign the road.

In February, the town's Planning Commission supported MDT's plan with four stipulations:

F MDT would request rezoning of the northern part of its property to R-4, which allows a one-acre minimum residential lot.

F The company would impose a 100-feet buffer on any industrial property that borders residential land.

F Any costs for paving Dogwood Trail not funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation would be borne by MDT.

F Construction of the road would begin within four months.

In March, the Town Council approved the plan, but nine months later, work has not started on the road.

The latest hold-up appears to be DOT's pledge to fund $41,000 on the project. The cost of the project is $60,000, which leaves $19,000 unfunded.

Wednesday night, council members expressed their frustration at the lack of progress on the road.

“I'm a little fed up. It's time we do something,” said Councilman Paul Letourneau.

Councilman Ronnie Cannon suggested the town go ahead and fund the $19,000 and try to get the money back from MDT at a later date.

“We're just trying to insure the quality of life for everyone in Tyrone,” he said.

As part of the motion, the council also specified that work on the road must start before Feb. 15.

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