Walden Residents Debate Grocery Store Development on Lines Orchards Property

Walden Residents Weigh In on Grocery Store Proposal

As the town of Walden gears up for Election Day, discussions are buzzing around the hot topic of whether a grocery store should be developed on the Lines Orchards property. The debate has brought in voices from both residents and non-residents alike, but let’s focus on the perspectives that matter the most—those of the people who actually live and vote in Walden.

Understanding the Landscape

With over 44 years as a business owner in Chattanooga and a long-time resident of Signal Mountain, I have spent 34 years living and paying taxes in Walden. It’s essential to remember that the people of this town deserve the facts as they approach this significant decision. Emotions can run high, especially in political discussions, but it’s crucial to sift through the noise and look at the hard truths.

Fact vs. Fiction

Fact #1: The Lines Orchards property currently serves as Walden’s gateway and is rather unsightly. I believe most residents would agree that it’s not an impressive representation of our community. Wouldn’t it be nice to see a flourishing grocery store in that location instead?

Fact #2: The Pruett’s Grocery Store on Signal Mountain has a footprint of 27,000 square feet. Over the years, I’ve heard countless residents sing its praises, and I’ve never heard any complaints about its size. So, why is a proposed 30,000 square foot grocery store in Walden suddenly considered a problem?

Fact #3: Let’s take a look at our very own Ace Hardware. The building spans 18,000 square feet and is widely beloved by the community. No one seems to mind its size because it provides a convenient resource for all our needs. Can we say the same wouldn’t apply to a grocery store?

Examining Comparisons

Fact #4: Did you know that the Publix at Lookout Mountain is also 30,000 square feet? A quick drive by will show you that it doesn’t look bulky or out of place. Yet, some opponents of the grocery store proposal, like Lizzy Schmidt, claim to stand against “big box stores.” But if they are truly beneficial to our community, why not embrace them?

Fact #5: It’s worth noting that Schmidt and her family hold interests in the areas where existing grocery stores are situated. While I wouldn’t want to speculate about motivations, it raises a question about potential conflicts of interest when it comes to the new grocery store proposal.

The Financial Picture

Fact #6: The anticipated tax revenue from a grocery store of this size could reach $400,000—making up 30% of Walden’s annual budget. Can we really afford to let that slip away? If not, the burden of that revenue will fall solely on the shoulders of our residents.

Fact #7: To put this into perspective, with 744 households in Walden based on the 2020 census, that means each household would potentially need to cough up an additional $538 annually if this grocery store doesn’t come to fruition. Does that sound fair to you?

Cast Your Vote Wisely

As we move closer to the election, I encourage residents to focus on the facts rather than fear tactics or emotional arguments. A grocery store development would beautify our entrance to Walden, provide unparalleled convenience, and significantly reduce the tax burden on households. Think about your vote thoughtfully, as this is more than just a simple store—it’s about our community’s future.

In short, let’s choose a path that enhances our beloved town by supporting the development of a 30,000 square-foot grocery store that stands to benefit us al!