Members of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission on Monday recommended approval for a zoning change to allow a mixed-use development at the corner of East Brainerd and Ooltewah-Ringgold roads.
The application was submitted by Pat Neuhoff of Neuhoff Taylor Architects on behalf of Bassam Issa of the ANT Group for “The Enclave at East Hamilton.”
The project began as a mixed-use development with 250 luxury apartments located at the rear of the site. Using a “Community Vision” process, 10 members of the community served as committee members to meet with the team to develop the final plan that was presented to the Planning Commission.
Members of the community appointed Sandra Adair, John Awad, Linda Benson, Bobby Cronan, Shaleigh Cronan, Scottie Neil, Bill Reesor, Charlie Rollins, Mark Smedley and Mark West to serve on the community committee. Newly elected County Commissioner Sabrena Smedley served as ex-officio member.
The developer said, "Since July 7, 16 community meetings have occurred that resulted in a development that now has limits on total square footage, a project that will be constructed in phases and the types of materials that will be used in the construction of businesses and retail on the site. More than that, special places and branding signage will be constructed to welcome visitors not only to the site but to the neighborhoods that surround it. Preservation of area woodlands and protecting neighbors from light and noise were also key issues that were successfully addressed."
Mark West, chairman of the community group, said, “We began this process in strict opposition to the developer’s plans. The neighborhood was adamantly against having apartments. Our concerns started with the additional cars that would be using an already strained corridor as well as transient residents in our neighborhood. The developer listened to our concerns, addressed and documented each point. Now, we have a project that is worthy of the area.”
Commissioner Smedley said, “Representing one of the fastest growing districts in Hamilton County means that great consideration should be given as development is proposed. Sam Issa and his team are to be congratulated on their dedication to the project and the committee is to be congratulated on their hard work on behalf of the community. Everyone wins with this project.”
Bassam Issa said, “We are very excited about this development. The Enclave at East Hamilton will provide an upscale commercial village that will feature small shops, restaurants, a bank, offices, and other commercial uses, along with a grocery store to service the neighborhoods.”