Jobs, growth push Chattanooga, Hamilton County planning in Summit community

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Enterprise South Industrial Park

IF YOU GOWhat: Summit land-use planning meetingWhere: Ooltewah Elementary School at 9232 Lee HighwayWhen: Monday from 7 to 8 p.m.

With more than 5,000 jobs created over the last three years at Volkswagen, Amazon and other Enterprise South-area businesses, city and county planners are looking to guide growth in the nearby community of Summit.

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency is making a land-use plan for the area between Interstate 75 near Enterprise South and Old Lee Highway -- an area the city has annexed.

John Bridger, executive director of the planning agency, said officials met about a month ago with residents of the area to discuss needs and wants associated with the completion of the I-75/Apison Pike interchange connector road and proposed widening of Apison Pike.

He said a second meeting is set for Monday evening with residents and the broader community.

"What we want to do is take a more detailed look at that area and say what are the appropriate development patterns, what area should be commercial, and where should we try to maintain our existing residential neighborhoods," Bridger said.

He said the area serves as a gateway not only to Chattanooga but also to Collegedale.

Richard Beeland, spokesman for Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield, said in a prepared statement that planners will present Monday's meeting participants with some options developed with ideas from the first planning meeting with residents.

The meeting will begin with a short presentation followed by an opportunity for comments, he said.

An additional meeting is being planned in December to share the draft land use recommendation. The Chattanooga City Council will use the plan's recommendations and comments to guide future zoning, Beeland said.