Numerous Hixson residents and representatives of the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy oppose rezoning plans.
Gregory Vickrey, Director North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy said, "We are here to publicize this information. To make sure that people know that the developer is attempting to move forward behind closed doors." The plans would allow retail, banks, offices and residential complexes near Highway 153 and Boy Scout Road. Vickrey said, "They are seeking a reason and request to move it away from R-1, which is the least dense development available." The new idea to move into the high density residential idea concerns Jones, who is a resident of Hixson. Jones said, "When you put commercial backing up to that, it's got to affect not only the value, but the quality of life."
Hixson resident, Linden Stricker, stated that he did not want Hixson Pike to be the next Rossville Boulevard or Ringgold Road. Stricker said, "We don't want that, where every other store is vacant." Stricker also stated, "There is over 625,000 square feet of vacant building space. All of that, if it were to be utilized, could equal almost another Northgate Mall. So the question arising, do we really need another commercial development on 153?"
The Director of the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy stated that the piece of property is already prone to flooding. He said plans to remove part of the hilltop from that 190 acre land would create more environmental impacts. Vickrey said, "One hundred million gallons or more increase in sediment and chemical storm water run off whenever there is a significant rain in an area thats already being flooded."
The group wants to reinforce the idea that the Hixson community should be engaged and involved in the process every step of the way. The "Don't Chop the Hilltop" representatives encourage residents and anyone interested in the planned Hixson development to attend a special meeting. That will take place Thursday, November 1 at 6:30 at the Hixson Community Center. The Hixson Community Center is the Old Middle School located at 5400 School Road in Hixson.
