College Hill Courts is Chattanooga’s oldest and largest public housing community in the Westside, dating back to 1940. Throughout the years, the Boynton Terrace Apartments, Gateway Tower, and Dogwood Manor were built, doubling the number of public housing units within the Westside District. The District encompasses the Golden Gateway area between U.S. 27, Riverfront Parkway, MLK Boulevard and Main Street.
The Chattanooga Design Studio is leading a planning process to proactively imagine the future of the Westside District. Due to the age, history and complexity of the area, thoughtful planning as well as design improvements are needed to plan for the future, said officials.
Insights into the planning process will be shared on the television broadcast, “Westside Evolves” which will air on News 12 Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Viewers will learn about the neighborhood and those involved in the planning process. In addition, they will be invited to attend upcoming virtual workshops to learn more and provide input into the planning process. The program will be hosted by Edna Varner, a member of the Chattanooga Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
CHA Executive Director Betsy McCright said, “We recognize that the CHA’s role is to preserve and expand affordable housing opportunities in our community. The planning process and its outcomes will identify a strategies that support a one-for-one replacement of subsidized housing units in this district. This particular place in our city holds significant potential opportunity for residents who require access to jobs, education, and services.”
Eric Myers, executive director of the Chattanooga Design Studio, said, “We are excited to help CHA provide a long-term neighborhood vision for the Westside. The community faces historic challenges, many stemming from the origin of its development. It’s been exciting to work with residents and stakeholders to assist in organizing a process that lifts voices and creates clear and measurable housing goals that the neighborhood, CHA and other partners can implement.”
For more information or to participate in this important effort, visit: www.WestsideEvolves.com, on Facebook: @CollegeHillCHA, or on Twitter, @CollegeHillCHA.