Exciting Developments Unveiled for East Ridge: New Pavilion, Animal Shelter, and Gateway Signs on the Way

Exciting Developments on the Horizon for East Ridge

Good news is buzzing around East Ridge as City Manager Scott Miller recently shared updates on several exciting projects that are set to enhance the community. Let’s dive into the details!

A New Multi-Purpose Pavilion

First up is the highly anticipated 12,000-square-foot multi-purpose pavilion that will be built right behind City Hall. This new facility is designed to be a versatile space for all kinds of community events – from farmer’s markets and craft shows to birthday parties and everything in between! The city has earmarked $6 million for this project, and excitingly, bids for the construction were opened this week. Nine bids were received, and out of those, six came in under budget, with prices ranging from $4.6 million to $4.9 million. How awesome is that?

Currently, the city is reviewing the top three bids, and it’s hoped that the city council will approve the bid during their meeting on September 26. If all goes according to plan, we can expect the construction to kick off by November 1, with an estimated completion timeline of just one year. Can you imagine the kinds of events this new pavilion will host? It’s sure to become a central hub for East Ridge!

Exciting Developments at the Animal Shelter

If that wasn’t enough good news, Miller also announced that the new East Ridge Animal Shelter is officially finished! The team is now focusing on setting up furniture, fixtures, and equipment to ensure it’s ready for all its furry residents. Recently, around 50 volunteers came together to help assemble dog beds and other essentials, making the space cozy and welcoming for all the animals. The city is aiming for a grand opening in just a week, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for – you guessed it – September 26. This new shelter is bound to make a positive impact on our beloved community pets.

Welcome Signs for East Ridge

But wait, there’s more! City Manager Miller has also received approval from the Tennessee Department of Transportation for the installation of Welcome to East Ridge Gateway signs at two prime locations. These impressive signs, measuring 24 feet long and 13 feet high, will sit on beautiful stone foundations. One will welcome visitors off the northbound I-75 ramp, and the other will be located in front of the Life Care Center. What a delightful way to greet both residents and visitors!

Changes in Waste Disposal Services

In a recent city council meeting, two resolutions were passed. One of them involved amending the facility fee waiver policy for the parks and recreation department, ensuring that organizations receiving waivers contribute at least 50 percent of the net receipts from any event back to a non-profit that serves the East Ridge community. It’s a win-win situation that not only helps events happen, but also supports local causes.

However, there’s also some ongoing discussion regarding solid waste disposal services. An unexpected email regarding the termination of a contract with Capital Waste Services surfaced last week, revealing that the current pricing of $33.91 per ton for waste disposal wasn’t sustainable. East Ridge typically deals with around 800 tons of waste monthly. In response, Mr. Miller is preparing a new request for proposals for waste disposal services, with hopes to collect bids from various companies next week. Rest assured, he stated there will be no service interruptions during this transition.

With all these developments taking shape, it’s an exciting time for East Ridge. From new infrastructures like the multi-purpose pavilion and animal shelter to welcoming signs and changes in waste services, the city is steering towards a bright future. Let’s all keep an eye out for more wonderful news to come!