A subdivision with 228 lots next to the crowded East Hamilton School got a narrow okay from the Planning Commission on Thursday.
The vote was 5-5 on the project by developer Billy McCoy at 2207 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road. Todd Leamon, interim chairman, broke the tie by voting in favor.
The final decision will be made by the County Commission. Commissioner Chester Bankston, who heads the commission's zoning committee and who represents the district, is opposed.
James and Sheila Kincaid said they had decided to sell their 61-acre farm and retire closer to their children. They said an earlier generation had sold off acreage to pay for their retirement. That provided the land for the Shadow Ridge subdivision and six other homes. The one-time dairy farm has been in the family since 1945. The parents said their children do not want to take it over.
Kelli Richardson of LDA Engineers said with all the new jobs that are being created, more housing is needed. She said, "New homes cannot be built fast enough."
She said there would be 10 acres of green space by Johnson Branch.
Nearby residents said nearby schools are already overcrowded and it will be years before nearby roads are improved. They said traffic is already clogged up, and the large subdivision would exacerbate the problem.