Mayor Ron Littlefield, several community leaders and business owners will break ground Tuesday on the first phase of the Shallowford Road exit beautification project.
Less than a month ago, the $80,000 project was little more than an idea. But public and private East Brainerd leaders met with the mayor to discuss improving the off ramps to Exit 5 on I-75 to make it more friendly and inviting. What resulted was a fast-moving plan with contributors jumping on board, city officials said.
Bill Mish, chairman of the Friends of E.B. Beautification Committee said, “To date committed participants in this endeavor include the city of Chattanooga, Metro Lawn Care, CBL and Associates-Hamilton Place Mall, Vision Hospitality Group, Ken DeFoor and the Chamber of Commerce.”
All profits from work performed is being donated.
David Garner with Metro Lawn Care will begin the planting of two ramps at Exit 5 on Tuesday at 11:15 a.m.
Mr. Garner said, “This first planting will include approximately 130 crepe myrtles scattered in a triangle pattern with 650 Grey Owl Junipers planted within the triangle as ground cover.”
Gene Hyde, the city’s forester, is working with David Garner to remove all existing trees and shrubs and as Mr. Hyde put it, "to clear the canvas for David Garner to create a beautiful work of art."
The Friends of East Brainerd is a 501C3 organization established to implement smart growth in East Brainerd. It came up with the beautification project. It is their hope that drivers will slow down, exit, shop and stay at the hotels.
The non-profit has enlisted both public and private parties including TDOT.