I have a question about a current road project in Chattanooga. Many may be unaware that this road even exists, but Hamm Road is going through a massive overhaul that must be in the multimillion-dollar range. The road is getting beautiful curbing and sidewalks all the way through and is being completely overhauled. This leads me to my question as to why we are investing millions of taxpayer dollars to beautify a road that leads directly to the sewer treatment plant that on the best of days smells like a dead skunk.
There are hardly any residential dwellings in the area and once you turn left onto Moccasin Bend Road it leads to a golf course, shooting range, and the mental health hospital as the main attractions. The mental health hospital and firing range have both been rumored to be relocated, which will leave a golf course and a coupe of residents plus some outdoor public spaces, if you can tolerate the stench.
With all the talk about our current city paving budget and finger pointing as to why things aren’t getting done, who in their right mind thought this project should have priority over much more heavily traveled roads in populated areas that are destroying vehicles daily.
My only guess is to follow the money and see who is going to profit in the future, and the main tell will be when property starts changing hands.
Chris Morgan
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Let's not forget the National Park Service (NPS) facility on Hamm Road. The enhancements underway on Hamm Road are focused on improving access for visitors to the Moccasin Bend Archeological District. This is a major park where there are stories of thousands of years of historical events tied to this region to be told with over 700 acres of land to be explored. All as part of the nature based assets promoted for our area as a "destination for outdoor experiences and of cultural interest." The combined units of the NPS in the Chattanooga area bring millions of tourists each year and add greatly to the local economy.
The road project is primarily funded by State TDOT funds with a grant awarded to the City of Chattanooga as a follow-up to the planning that was put into place in 2011, shortly after the NPS designation for Moccasin Bend was made. So many years of study and work have gone into improving the area with both the NPS and the city working to create a safe place for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles alike while also considering the needs of trucking and the industries in the area.
Rozanne Brown