Developer Billy McCoy
The County Commission on Wednesday morning, after hours of discussion at several meetings, voted to approve a controversial zoning request near East Hamilton School in East Brainerd.
There was a 7-2 vote with Sabrena Smedley and Randy Fairbanks opposed.
Commissioner Smedley, who represents that area, had wanted to delay the vote until early February after a traffic study is completed. However, that motion was voted down.
She said some 1,400 residents had signed a petition in opposition to the project.
Developer Billy McCoy plans a project of single-family homes and villas on 228 lots. It will be on a 61-acre former dairy farm.
Commissioner Tim Boyd said an area study said that section near the intersection of East Brainerd Road and Ooltelwah-Ringgold Road could handle up to 1,500 new homes. He said 707 lots had been approved for development, but just 236 homes had been built.
Commissioner Warren Mackey said, "This commission is acting like a socialist body trying to control growth. They are pulling out all their misinformation and scare tactics."
Commissioner David Sharpe said the county needed to continue to gain more growth money to help with tax collections. He suggested that staggered school start and end times be used. Commissioner Smedley said that is already in effect.
Commissioner Greg Martin said, "We need to move forward with this. It will generate a tremendous amount of tax revenue for the county."