Northgate Mall Infrastructure Plan Advances

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Friends of Hixson hosted representatives from CBL Properties on Wednesday as community members heard updates on the infrastructure required to redevelop Northgate Mall in Hixson.

Northgate Mall was built in the early 1970s, before the area was annexed into the City of Chattanooga. 

Because city services weren’t available at the time, the mall’s original developers built and maintained their own sewer system, which now serves dozens of private businesses. 

That system is failing, and city officials say replacing it is a necessary first step before any redevelopment can move forward.

CBL told attendees that redeveloping properties like Northgate is part of their core business, and the company hopes to eventually transform the site into a mixed-use, open-air center with additional retail and other community-focused components. 

They emphasized that no development plan is being proposed yet, and they are currently collecting community input and working with the city to determine utility capacity.

The first half of Wednesday’s meeting centered on the tax increment financing (TIF) proposal. 

Under the plan, new sales tax revenue generated by future development on the mall campus would help fund the sewer replacement. 

But a third-party economic study from a third-party source found that the TIF would bring in just over three million dollars, far short of the nearly nine million needed for the project.

To bridge the gap, the city is proposing a 1.125% local option sales tax. It would apply to most businesses on Northgate Loop.

Multiple city council members attended the meeting, fielding questions from residents about infrastructure, business impact, and the timeline for redevelopment. 

CBL estimated that demolition of the existing mall structure is still roughly three to six years away. 

The company also confirmed a community suggestion: the possibility of including a public library in future plans.

Friends of Hixson will not hold a December meeting due to the Community Christmas Tree Lighting Event.

The City of Chattanooga’s Industrial Development Board will take up the TIF proposal at its next public hearing on Monday, December 3. 

The city council is expected to consider and vote on the plan during its December 2 meeting.

These monthly coffee meetings are free and open to the public and are designed to keep neighbors, business owners, and community members informed about issues impacting the Hixson and Chattanooga area.