Missionary Ridge Development Continues to Face Opposition

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A major development proposed for Missionary Ridge faces strong opposition from neighbors who say it’s too dense for the area. 

The Doolittle Farms project, which would add more than 1,700 housing units to a forested hill between Tunnel Boulevard and South Chickamauga Creek, was the focus of a rezoning hearing today. 

While the developer claims to have worked with the community to address concerns, many residents say the changes have been minimal and that the project remains too large and dense. Opponents argue it would strain infrastructure, alter the neighborhood’s character, and disrupt the area’s historic landscape.

Doolittle Farms would transform the proposed forested ridge into a high-density, mixed-use development with apartments, townhomes, and commercial spaces. Many longtime residents say it’s too much, too fast. 

Opponents argue that, beyond traffic and infrastructure concerns, the land holds historical significance, making it unsuitable for large-scale development. 

At a previous meeting, neighbors organized to fight the rezoning request, urging preservation of the area’s character and history.

However, at today’s meeting, the developer, Michael Kenner, was notably absent as commissioners listened to public input, the majority of which was against the plan. 

After hearing statements from concerned residents, two commissioners voted against the project. 

However, the majority voted to defer the decision for 60 days, giving the developer more time to revise the plan and engage with the community.

For the community, the issue isn’t development itself but the scale and density of this specific proposal. The next 60 days will determine whether a compromise can be reached.