Chattanooga Unveils Draft for Plan Chattanooga – Your Opinions Matter!
Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as the city has just released the draft of Plan Chattanooga, the very first comprehensive framework plan aimed at shaping the city’s future. If you’ve ever had thoughts about how the city should develop, now is the perfect opportunity to make your voice heard! This is your chance to pitch in your ideas and feedback to help guide Chattanooga’s growth.
What’s This All About?
The Plan Chattanooga project kicked off back in August 2023, when the Chattanooga Regional Planning Agency launched a survey targeting eight key areas in the city. This initiative goes hand-in-hand with Plan Hamilton County, ensuring both areas are aligned in their growth strategies. Each section of the plan contains detailed chapters that break down the history and future of these areas. While we’ll cover some of the big ideas here, you might want to dive deeper into the chapter that relates to you and your neighborhood!
What Are the Big Ideas?
There are some exciting proposals on the table! The plan includes continuing recent vision projects like South Broad and One Riverfront, with a goal of adding between 500 to 1,000 new housing units every year. Also on the list? Creating a downtown transit center and protecting the charm of our historic neighborhoods. It’s about making Chattanooga a place where everyone feels at home.
Another exciting proposal is the redevelopment of the Northgate Mall area. The idea is to transform it into a walkable Town Center, perfect for shopping, dining, and connecting with others. Plus, the plan emphasizes the importance of preserving green spaces to ensure we maintain our city’s natural beauty. Enhancing safety and walkability along major streets is another top priority.
Smart Growth for a Bright Future
Chattanooga is taking a cautious approach to development, with plans to limit new projects in flood-prone areas and implement measures to prevent displacement and gentrification. The draft encourages connections to community destinations through a network of greenways, facilitating safe and enjoyable transportation options for everyone.
To maintain our community’s character, the plan allows for a modest increase in residential density while focusing on cultural preservation in existing neighborhoods. It also aims to revitalize intersections along Dodds Avenue and Rossville Boulevard, ensuring they contribute positively to our local landscape.
What’s Next for Chattanooga?
The Plan Chattanooga draft presents a vision that includes establishing neighborhood centers for better access to services, developing a variety of housing types, and protecting stunning views of the local ridges. One of the unique aspects of this plan is its focus on using local tourism sites as drivers for economic development.
Additionally, the plan envisions evolving commercial corridors like Brainerd Road and Lee Highway into walkable destinations where businesses thrive amid connected communities. This means a more pedestrian-friendly environment, where residents can feel safe cycling or walking to their favorite spots.
Your Feedback Is Essential!
Now through Friday, November 15, you have the chance to share your thoughts on this draft with city officials. You can provide feedback in various ways — and hey, if you complete all three sections, you could even win a $25 gift card to Amazon. How cool is that?
Once all your feedback is in, the city will finalize Plan Chattanooga, setting it as a long-term guide for years to come. The city will also keep track of the plan’s progress and make updates as Chattanooga continues to grow.
Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of the discussion that shapes the future of our beloved city. Every opinion counts, and together, we can build a better Chattanooga!
