First, who we are? Residents of Area 9 (Ooltewah, Harrison, Birchwood, Georgetown, and Hwy. 58) unhappy with the unbridled growth, lack of infrastructure, and loss of rural character. We're also on a committee formed by county officials after hundreds of residents were extremely dissatisfied with the Area 9 plan created by the Regional Planning Agency which included apartments, hotels, and large multi story Commercial Centers
The Area 9 committee completed a plan retaining rural character, single family residential (A-1, 2 per acre), and small scale commercial only with plan changes allowed once per year.
We were told our plan would not obtain the votes needed.
So, we worked with county officials on a Compromise Plan that retains 2 per acre but allows two areas of 2.5 per acre. Plan changes can be made twice per year. Not everyone involved is happy, but it strikes a balance.
We thought an agreement was reached and provided a presentation at the Planning Commission meeting with data to support why our area needs responsible growth.
But Monday night, Julian Bell, on behalf of the Homebuilders Association and Realtors Association, presented "Amendments" to ALL of the Area plans including the Area 9 Compromise Plan. Only a few "Amendments" were mentioned including 3 homes per acre everywhere in Unincorporated Hamilton County zoned A-1 if sewer is available or decentralized sewer systems can be used and the ability to make plan changes once a month.
The Planning Commission voted to send the Area Plans (including the Area 9 Compromise Plan) as well as the Homebuilders/Realtors "Amendments" to the County Commission for review and action.
The Area 9 Compromise Plan and other area plans were on the Plan Hamilton website for public review well in advance of the meeting. So, it is very disappointing that the Planning Commission accepted the Homebuilders/Realtors "Amendments" without proper review time and the public was not provided a copy in advance of the meeting. After the meeting we requested a copy of the "Amendments" and we are reviewing the 5 page list now.
We appreciate all the residents that showed up to speak in support of the Compromise Plan. So many stories were shared about how unbridled growth is having adverse effects on the community and resident's lives. Unfortunately, the Planning Commission seemed more interested in the average age of a first-time home buyer than they did about the concerns voiced by residents.
What happens next? The County Commissioners will review the Compromise Plan and Amendments on June 11, 9:30 at the Hamilton County Courthouse, 4th floor, during the regular county commission meeting. The vote for the Compromise Plan and Amendments will be on June 18, same time and place. We need to pack the room again on both dates. The commissioners need to hear from you.
Thank you for your support!
Cathy Faulkner