Planning Commission Defers Market Street Building

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Regional Planning Agency staff has officially recommended denying the request, citing concerns over the scale and impact of the development in that area. 

The proposal aims to rezone the property to allow for a significantly taller structure, but planners say it may not align with the city’s vision for downtown growth.

Raquetta Dotley, City Council Woman for District 7, told the council before her that “while [she] fully supports[s] economic growth and development, [she] believe[s] it must be responsible and beneficial aligning with our city’s overarching goals.”

Members of the community were given the opportunity to give verbal input on the proposed plans in front of the council and the incoming company.

“The proposed project at 200 Market Street which you all have covered thoroughly, and I greatly appreciate that, does not align with our vision for a thriving downtown,” Dotley also stated.

The incoming company behind the proposed building stated in the meeting this afternoon that after seeing the staff recommendation, they acknowledged that a high-rise in the area would not be recommended. The company adjusted its plan and is now seeking approval for a six-story building at the same location.

The incoming company stated that “after speaking with Council Woman and going amongst the community, it was obvious that this building was very controversial. We do not want to be a controversial entity in the area.”

Supporters say the scaled-down design is a compromise that could still bring economic benefits. 

Following a new proposal from the incoming company, the commission deferred its decision, citing a lack of prior discussion on the revised plan. 

Despite the downsized building height, opposing community members remained against the project.

The planning commission will reconvene to review the new plan.