As a 10 year Walden resident, I fully support the new Walden town center. The anticipated anchor tenant, Publix, will provide much-needed convenience to all residents, especially our elderly, disabled, and our less fortunate residents who have difficulty, either physically or financially, traveling down the mountain for needed items. Walden's Ridge is currently, in fact, a food desert, catering only to those of means.
This project is also expected to generate over $400,000 annually in town tax revenue, boosting our budget by more than 30 percent. This additional revenue can enhance local amenities such as McCoy Farms, the Civic League, Bachmann Center, and the Pumpkin Patch. Many town services will also appreciate the increased funding, including Walden’s Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and our police protection staff provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department.
In the coming election, we have a choice between Vice Mayor Lizzy Schmidt, who single-handedly killed the project, and Lou Ziebold. Lou, a former planning commission member, is a strong proponent of the new development alongside Mayor Davis. The new Walden town center is a positive step forward for all of us living on the mountain.
Let us send Lizzy Schmidt that message this election.
Jon Cook