The Planning Commission on Monday granted a 60-day delay on a controversial townhome project in North Chattanooga.
Rocky Chambers, an engineer on the project representing the Greentech development firm, acknowledged that neighbors "are not wild about the current layout."
He asked for more time to continue discussions with the neighbors, saying he hoped to work out resolutions to some objections.
The plan is to put 31 townhomes on a steep site on Franklin Street that was created by the purchase of 12 single-family lots.
Chris Lamarind said no townhouse configuration would be acceptable to the neighbors.
Saying some 1,400 people signed a petition in opposition, he said the lots should remain single-family.
"This project really only benefits the developer," he said.
He said the plan had been to clear cut the hillside, and he said that would be "a huge environmental disaster." He said a number of old-growth trees are at the site and there is an adjacent bird sanctuary.
He also said approving townhomes on the steep slopes "would set a dangerous precedent.
Two members of the commission voted against the resolution for an additional 60 days.