Lookout Mountain, Tn., Mayor Carol Mutter is urging mountain citizens from both the Tennessee and Georgia sides to attend a Thursday night meeting on the topic of finding a location for a medical office for Dr. Bill Moore Smith.
Dr. Smith currently has a small clinic by Fairyland Pharmacy, but he said that space is too small.
Mayor Mutter said, "Many of you are aware that an issue has arisen recently concerning the location of a medical clinic used by a number of people in our mountain community. Attempts to resolve the issue on the Georgia side had stalled, and Mayor Greg Brown inquired about a possible move by the clinic to the Tennessee side.
"During this process a piece of property owned by the town at the corner of Scenic and South Watauga was identified. Subsequently the newly elected Lookout Mountain, Tennessee Commission authorized further steps toward a consideration of this proposal.
"Some of the neighboring landowners and others concerned about the loss of a pleasant green space in the town have objected to this proposal. In the last few weeks other potential sites for a medical clinic have been explored. Persons who currently own property in the commercial district have become involved as well.
"Members of the Commission believe that an opportunity for various voices to be heard would be helpful. A town forum to discuss this issue has been set for Thursday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. at the Lookout Mountain School Auditorium.
"We need a medical clinic on Lookout Mountain, either on the Tennessee side or the Georgia side. We also must be mindful of the need to support our existing businesses. We urge you to attend this meeting. Georgia residents are also welcome. We look forward to a frank and civil discussion."