The Planning Commission on Monday afternoon recommended approval for a mixed-use project on over 30 acres at the former Standard-Coosa-Thatcher property at Ridgedale.
The project is by Collier Construction Company, which plans to reuse remains of a number of former plant buildings at the site off East Main Street.
The area plan recommends a “combination of Light Business Mix and Medium Density Residential.” The light business mix could be used to facilitate manufacturing, material processing, general services, offices, and other such things.
Medium density residential means buildings such as single-family houses, duplexes, townhouses, patio homes, and homes for more than three families.
Planners said the old mill complex could be well-suited to “accommodate a sizeable live-work development for artisans and small boutique industrial businesses.”
The Collier group had requested a C-3 Zone, which is described as “A zone to promote and sustain the development of a maximum efficient density and diversity of commercial, governmental, and service enterprises to serve as a center for the business and cultural interests of the greater Chattanooga Area.”
“The C-3 Zone, in terms of permitted uses and flexibility in dimensional standards (lot-size and setbacks) is the only zoning tool in the current regulations, outside of Form Based Code, that provides flexibility for mixed-use master planned developments.”
No person signed up to speak in opposition, and Bryant Black spoke as the applicant. He said he believes much of this space will be used for residential buildings, and he said that planning for parking is “critical.”
David Matthews then moved to approve the conditions of the C-3 with the proposed modifications. Jimmy Parks had nothing but good things to say about Collier Construction.
“I’d like to commend Collier Construction for taking on this project. It’s been talked about for 30 years, and I’m glad to see they’ve taken that on.”
This was approved unanimously by the Commission.
The case next goes to the City Council.