CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Monday was the climax for a controversial growth plan in Hamilton County.
Plan Hamilton has been a lightning rod of debate over how the county’s future should look.
Last month, the Hamilton County Commission voted to approve a version of Plan Hamilton proposed by Commissioner Lee Helton 6 to 5.
He said this was after a compromise was worked out with developers with the Chattanooga Homebuilder’s Association, much to the chagrin of numerous residents who saw their changes as a money grab.
It was up to the Regional Planning Agency today to decide whether or not this version would be sent off for final certification.
Resident Glenda Papou said, “The Commission did vote 6 to 5, but that was not the will of the people! The will of the people was what exactly Commissioner Shipley said, slow it down.”
Residents frustrated by the Commission’s decision attempted to convince the RPA to vote against this version of Plan Hamilton.
This version passed, they say increases density limits across the county to a point that will destroy the county’s countrysides.
Jane Ditzer, another resident, said, “You go in and see a tract of land completely diluted of trees. Trees contribute to the air quality we all depend on.”
Four of the five Commissioners who voted against this plan in August spoke again Monday arguing the plan needs to be targeted based on specific areas.
Commissioner Jeff Eversole said, “I’m the minority commissioner who voted against this, but it seems like the majority of the public is for this.”
Commissioner Chip Baker added, “One size does not fit all. I even had one of the commissioners, when we were voting for short term vacation rentals, say that one size does not fit all.”
Some of the developers who spoke, including Mike Price, argued that their positions have been misrepresented.
Price said, “On sewers? The whole area is basically under a moratorium. We’re not going to see sewers to be expanded out into these areas, so it’s a false narrative. There will be a decrease.”
Developers argued that voting against this plan would take away private property rights.
Jason Farmer, another developer, said, “Every person I’ve ever bought from wanted to buy land. Those people ought to be able to sell their land if they want to and not have to preserve farmland.”
Ultimately, the RPA considered two amendments reducing the amount developers can build in floodplains and the type of the density that can be considered.
They did ultimately vote to approve these amendments along with the full version of Plan Hamilton.
Now that this is approved, a state board will have to vote to certify the plan.
Once that happens, Plan Hamilton will head back to the Hamilton County Commission for final adoption.
