Rezoning Request for North Hickory Valley Property Denied

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — After forming a petition of more than a thousand signatures against the rezoning of property off of Highway 58 and North Hickory Valley road, opponents of the development had an opportunity to celebrate when the Hamilton County Commission unanimously voted no on the rezoning request.

“Really, we were thrilled. I was not expecting that, but we were thrilled, because there are some concerns there — the pipeline and everything. There are some major concerns for health issues, and so we really just wanted to do what was best for the whole community, not just an individual or a few people,” said Lynn Buxton.

The decision follows weeks of raising concerns around the development, such as a gas pipeline that runs beneath the property and a projected traffic increase of five thousand vehicles a day.

Residents brought these concerns before the commission, who appear to have agreed with them.

“It did tell us that the commissioners are listening. And the emails, the phone calls — all of that does work. They are here to represent us as taxpayers and as a community, and they did that, and we want to say thank you,” Buxton said.

R-M Investments will have another chance to try to rezone the property, in 365 days.

“In 365 days, the developer will be back. He’s already made that known, and we’ll see you again,” said Ted Pagett.

“It’s good to see you all down here, and I hope you feel like you have been heard. Thank you,” said District 4 County Commissioner Warren Mackey.