The East Ridge City Council has agreed to allow developers to have access to city right of way at Camp Jordan Parkway for 11 additional parking spots for the new Chick-fil-A that is now under construction.
Ethan and Matt Wood of Wolftever Development are developing Jordan Crossing, including the popular chicken restaurant this is now under construction.
Councilman Jacky Cagle voted no, saying the spot sought for the extra parking might be a good location for a new Camp Jordan sign.
Mayor Brent Lambert said that would not be an appropriate spot, saying it was between two developments and not at the entry to Camp Jordan.
Chick-fil-A earlier got a variance from the city's Board of Zoning Appeals so its sign could be 30 feet high. Officials said the sign will have to comply with all other city provisions, including matching the exterior of the building.
Vice Mayor Larry Sewell said one of the developers told him that a new hotel will be going in nearby as well as two new buildings in front of the hotel.
In other action, the council approved a one-year contract extension with Retail Strategies for $26,000. The firm helps the city recruit new businesses.
Councilman Cagle said he wanted a quarterly confidential report on what actions the group has been taking to help the city. He said he had not been getting those.
Mayor Lambert said the group helped with a new five-business strip center that will be anchored by Marco's Pizza.
Councilman Cagle said he understood the developer got Marco's on his own.
Mayor Lambert said Retail Strategies has a number of contacts with brokers and businesses that allow it quick access whereas city officials might only get a voice machine.
The council was told that Parks and Recreation Director Stump Martin is improving after a recent illness.