Two former auto dealerships in Brainerd that now stand vacant are slated to be demolished and the site converted to a green space.
Officials of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport said the airport received a grant to purchase the former Prebul Infiniti and BMW of Chattanooga at 5915 and 5949 Lee Highway.
Terry Hart. airport interim president, said the site is part of the airport's required flight zone to allow plenty of space for landing of planes.
Bill Payne, city engineer, said the city is cooperating in the project.
The city is paying Arcadis, Inc. $334,280 for site and landscape design.
He said it will be a demonstration project of how to handle stormwater runoff with bioswales, streams,green vegetation and other natural methods. He said native species will be planted.
A short pathway will lead to an educational area, though the site will not be a public park.
The city is being required to carry out such environmental remediation under an order from state environmental officials.
Councilman Russell Gilbert said, "It's a wonderful way to see green at work."
Councilman Peter Murphy noted that the passive property will be across South Chickamauga Creek from a 125-acre wildlife observation area owned by the city next to the Brainerd Levee
Former BMW of Chattanooga
- Photo2 by Wes Schultz