I appreciate the park space we have in Chattanooga, and we need more as Chattanooga grows.
After hearing the National Park Partners presentation on Moccasin Bend last week, I’m convinced that rebuilding the hospital in the park would be a huge mistake, as the state can find a more suitable location to serve East Tennessee.
I am in total agreement that a new hospital is justified, but not on the Bend for a number of reasons. The state has the power of eminent domain and can buy virtually any property for this public use. I presume their power would exclude national park lands and native American cultural sites – but the state has chosen a site destined to become a national park and is certainly a native American cultural site.
I think it makes no sense, and the bad decision will affect the park indefinitely.
If you agree, I hope you will sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/save-moccasin-bend and write or email your representatives.