Chattanooga Reaches Historic Community Benefits Agreement for Stadium Project
In what is being hailed as a historic achievement, Chattanooga has officially reached its first-ever Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) concerning the redevelopment of the former U.S. Pipe/Wheland Foundry site, transforming it into a key part of the city’s South Broad District. The agreement includes collaboration between multiple parties, including the Bethlehem Center, the Chattanooga Lookouts, Perimeter Properties, and New City Properties.
According to a stadium spokesperson, this agreement signifies a significant step toward revitalizing South Chattanooga in a way that benefits every resident. The scope of the CBA is extensive, addressing essential community topics such as affordable housing, inclusive hiring practices, traffic and public transportation improvements, and environmental standards.
One of the standout aspects of the agreement is the inclusion of provisions to potentially establish a new childcare facility within the district. Alongside this, there will be commitments to enhancing the Riverwalk and ensuring building efficiency meets high environmental standards.
Reactions from City Leaders
Mayor Tim Kelly described the day as historic for South Chattanooga residents. “As we invest in areas that have been historically neglected, our One Chattanooga values tell us that we can’t leave behind or exclude the Chattanoogans who have called these areas home for generations,” he said. “We want everyone to benefit from Chattanooga’s progress.” Kelly emphasized the city’s commitment to achieving positive outcomes through collaboration, even though the city government was not legally part of the agreement.
City Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley echoed similar sentiments: “South Chattanooga is a special place, but change is coming. As elected representatives, it’s our job to ensure this change is positive for everyone – especially those who call South Chattanooga home.” She described the CBA as a significant leap forward, setting higher expectations for well-paying jobs, affordable housing, and improved public transportation.
Community Representatives Speak Out
Reginald F. Smith II, the executive director of the Bethlehem Center, remarked that the CBA represents a collaborative effort to not only elevate the community’s sports profile but also enrich the lives of South Chattanooga residents for generations to come. “We are committed to leveraging this agreement to foster economic opportunity and community well-being in our neighborhood,” Smith said.
Echoing the spirit of opportunity, Ted Griffin, vice president of the South Chattanooga Community Association, referred to the project as a “unique opportunity for growth.” Griffin remarked, “I trumpet all the possibilities for positive and far-reaching benefits that an effective development can bring to the residents and participants in the South Chattanooga Community.”
Developer and Team Statements
Andy Stone, a partner at Perimeter Properties, stressed the historical significance of the location and expressed gratitude towards the Bethlehem Center and the South Chattanooga Community Association for their partnership. “It’s fitting that this property, which in many ways was the economic engine for South Chattanooga for a century, will catalyze the revitalization of the South Broad District in a way that is consistent with the interests of local residents,” Stone noted.
Rich Mozingo, president of the Chattanooga Lookouts, highlighted the team’s long history of community engagement. “The Lookouts have a long and proud history of working directly with our neighbors in Chattanooga to ensure the people we employ, vendors we do business with, and fans we entertain benefit as much as possible from our continued presence in this city,” Mozingo said.
Jim Irwin, president of New City Properties, expressed excitement over the collective agreement, stating, “We are all proud that it codifies our shared goal of creating a positive impact on the larger South Broad community. It will be incredibly fun and meaningful to begin the redevelopment of the Foundry site with the entire Chattanooga community in mind.”
Overall, the establishment of this Community Benefits Agreement marks a significant and promising development in Chattanooga’s ongoing efforts to ensure inclusive and beneficial progress for all its residents.
