Residents raise concern about Green Pond Road development

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The controversy over a proposed housing development in the Soddy Daisy area took center stage at the Hamilton County Commission meeting Wednesday. 

“I am not opposed to development, and the people are not opposed to development, but we got to do development smarter,” said District 1 Commissioner Gene-O Shipley. “That is all we have been talking about on this desk for months.” 

The Planning Commission had previously approved a plan for more than 500 new homes on Hixson Pike and Green Pond Road, which is a two-lane road. 

Resident Michael Higgins says adding that many homes will add more road congestion to the area.  

“Green Pond Road in this section of Hixson Pike cannot handle the amount of traffic this will generate,” said Higgins. “Green Pond Road is a narrow road with a non-existent shoulder. Several times year, drivers unintentionally drive off the side of the road into a four-foot-wide ditch turning their vehicle on its side.”

Residents are also concerned about increased flooding on Green Pond Road. 

However, Allen Jones with Stone Creek Consulting says it’s important to hear the needs of the community. 

“In addition, with that 550 lots, we are able to limit how much we’re actually developing in that little 66-acre piece,” said Jones. “That is 6% of the total drainage area to the green pond road.” 

A final vote for the housing development project is scheduled for next week.

In the meantime, County Commissioner Gene-O Shipley says he will do everything he can to protect his people in his district. 

“I know some of the people that are involved in the building, they are respectful, but my job is to take care of District 1 and make sure these people’s lifestyle is not interrupted by a project like this.