State no longer considering Eastdale site for new mental health facility

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A potential controversy over the location for a new mental health facility in our area has taken a turn.

The state is looking for a place to build a new hospital to replace the one at Moccasin Bend.

They determined they could not expand the current facility because of plans to develop the Bend as a historic park.

A tract on Tunnel Boulevard was a possible new site.

There was even a community meeting scheduled for tonight to debate whether residents wanted it there.

But today, state officials said they were no longer considering the site.

So the search continues.

Here is the official statement today from Senator Bo Watson:

The State of Tennessee Department of General Services continues to evaluate potential sites for a new regional mental health facility to replace the facility currently located at Moccasin Bend. 

A 160-acre tract along Tunnel Blvd. in the Eastdale community of Hamilton County is no longer being considered as a potential site for the facility. 

The Hamilton County Legislative Delegation will continue to work with the department in identifying the best possible site for a new regional mental health facility.

Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson, District 11