Planning Meetings Held on Chattanooga Westside
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Plans have been in motion for several months to transform Chattanooga’s Westside into a prime retail, entertainment and residential district.
However, concerns have been raised about what this plan means for current residents of the Westside.
The Chattanooga Housing Authority along with architects gave presentations on a proposed zoning change to the neighborhood around several low-income housing buildings.
These presentations at venues such as the College Hill Courts, Gateway Towers, and Dogwood Manor.
Some of the plans laid out by developers for the future of the Chattanooga Westside.
The executive director of the Chattanooga Housing Authority, Betsy McCright, said, “It is a necessary first step. It doesn’t mean we are going to bring units out of the ground any time soon, but it is part of the process and we’re excited about it.”
The proposed zoning change would make the neighborhood a Zone W-N, both earmarked for residential structures and parks.
An architect for the firm Tinkerma, Jessica Stack, said, “This is a new zone that is being designed specifically to the Westside, and specifically as it relates to the master plan that has been designed with residents, C-H-A, and the community.”
It is the first step in plans to renovate the area, as distant plans include replacing aging units at College Hill Courts and Gateway Towers.
Some residents say they have concerns that the new development could price them out.
One resident who recently moved to Chattanooga from California, Timothy Baker, said, ” (I) Just want to make sure the gentrification process that has occurred below this area with all of the townhouses and the upscale establishments for people with wealth, is not the underlying intention of what goes on here.”
Despite concerns about gentrification, developers want area residents to know they are keeping them in mind throughout the design process.
Stack said, “The master plan, even from the very early stages of design, has been very carefully thought through in such a way that new housing, replacement housing, is intended to be constructed first before anyone is asked to relocate.”
The zoning proposal will go before the Regional Planning Commission at the Hamilton County Courthouse on September 11.
Residents are welcome to attend to voice their input.
Another resident, Carla Elliott, said, “It was also a relief to know a timeline of such, and how it is going to affect where I live. While I support improvement, it is comfortable to know how that includes us as well.”
