call for a new signal, widening, and—importantly— continuous sidewalks. The goal is to stitch safe pedestrian routes from the town’s center to the west side schools, transforming what used to be a patchwork of gaps into a legible, walkable network. “Walkability is a priority,” Daugherty says. “Kids should be able to get to school and activities on continuous sidewalks.” Fairview’s utility picture is unique among peers: the city doesn’t own or operate the electric, gas, water, or sewer systems within its limits. Middle Tennessee Electric handles electric service; Piedmont (now under new ownership) provides gas; Dickson Water manages water and sewer. The arrangement has obvious tradeoffs—less control over capital prioritization, but also significant savings in city overhead. Fairview remains tightly coordinated with providers, advocating for capacity expansions that match growth. Recent fiber investments supported by county grants are widening high-speed internet access, suites; three filled quickly, including a Cornerstone Financial Credit Union, a nail salon, and a Papa John’s. An Ace Hardware is in the works, and the city has fielded interest from a healthcare provider and a light industrial manufacturer considering local sites. Some of those conversations remain exploratory, but the tone has changed: operators who once looked past Fairview now see clear reasons to plant a flag. Public safety and mobility are growing alongside private investment.A new fire station is slated for the corner of a redesigned intersection where Northwest Highway meets Highway 96. Today, Northwest Highway hits 96 at an awkward angle; the project will square it to 90 degrees, add a signal, and deliver the response-time improvements residents expect as population grows—particularly near the city’s largest-ever subdivision. On the west side, Fairview is moving forward on one of its most stubborn trouble spots: the intersection of Highway 100 and Cumberland and Crow Cut, long considered among the city’s most dangerous. Plans 107 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 FAIRVIEW, TN
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