Backers of a 100-million dollar commercial development on Highway 153 can now take their plans to the Chattanooga City Council.
Despite opposition from Hixson groups, the Regional Planning Commission this afternoon refused to delay the project any longer.
Members of the "Don't Chop the Hilltop" group turned-out to oppose any forward movement in the Chattanooga Village project, as it came before the Regional Planning Commission.
Developer Duane Horton discussed the revised plan for the 190 acres of hilltop at highway 153 at Boy Scout road.
DUANE HORTON, DEVELOPER "At this time , right now ..after the numerous meetings we've had I'm not aware of any issue that we haven't addressed that we've heard from the community."
Horton told the panel that 67 acres, mostly around the perimeter will not be developed...while the other property will eventually 280 apartments, 6 office buildings, retail development and recreational areas.
Horton told the commission that the top of the hill would not be "chopped off".
Opposition leaders pleaded for deferred action, saying they had not had time to learn of changes in the original proposal.
JOE CONNOR, ATTORNEY, FOR N. CHICKAMAUGA CREEK CONSERVANCY "There are a number of issues that have yet to be addressed that need to be addressed , and it's the process we need to respect here."
The commission then heard a motion to delay approval.
MAYOR RON LITTLEFIELD, PUSHED FOR APPROVAL "I've never seen these kind of controversies get any better by delaying them..so I will not be supporting the motion to delay."
The mayor pointed out that the Chattanooga Village will still need to come before city council.
At that point. the majority of the planning board voyed to move the project ahead.
EVELYN GRABLE, HIXSON "The idea that , oh you couldn't defer it for 60 days .. I think that's ridiculous, I'll be quite honest about it."
Horton says the next public hearing is Tuesday night at the Hixson Community Center for more community feedback.
The traffic plan for Highway 153 and Boy Scout road must still be approved by T-DOT before the project can go forward.
