Walker County housing development denied to preserve agricultural land and way of life | Chattanooga Times Free Press

Proposed Residential Development in Rural Chattanooga Valley Blocked by Board of Commissioners

A proposed residential development in rural Chattanooga Valley was blocked when the Walker County Board of Commissioners denied a request to rezone nearly 130 acres of agricultural land.

Project Details

• Name: Laurel Station
• Location: Highway 193, south of the High Point community
• Phased development plan:
1. Start with a dozen large homes
2. Followed by more than 100 smaller homes
3. Later cabins higher up the ridge

The developer, John Tatum, had planned to create a community similar to nearby Cloudland Station, which was also developed by Tatum.

Reasons for Denial

The rezoning request was denied in a unanimous vote by the commissioners. They cited the following reasons:

• Likely increase in traffic
• Threats to the area’s rural character

Ten neighbors testified against the rezoning, expressing concerns about traffic, strain on sewers and schools, and the impact on the community’s dynamics.

Commissioner Robert Stultz, who spoke about the proposed project, emphasized the importance of preserving the rural area’s solitude and simpler way of life. He believed that approving the development would be a travesty and change the entire dynamics of the community.

Planning Commission’s Recommendation

Jon Pursley, the county planning director, stated that the county’s Planning Commission recommended against the development due to limited sewer capacity in the area and the dangerous nature of Highway 193, which would experience increased traffic as a result of the development.

Pursley also mentioned that homes could still be built on the property without a variance, but each home would need a 5-acre lot, which is the minimum requirement in an agricultural zone.

Developer’s Vision

Tatum, who lives north of Atlanta, expressed his vision for the development. He wanted to create a unique community focused on community and conservation. Tatum stated that 50% to 80% of Laurel Station would be set aside for conservation.

He highlighted his successful development, Cloudland Station, which has been ongoing for 18 years and aims to promote beautiful, healthy, and connected living.

Property Details

The lots at Laurel Station were planned to be one-tenth of an acre to half an acre and priced between $110,000 and $200,000. The owner of the property where the development was planned is Daniel Heithold.

Additional Amenities

Along with housing, plans for Laurel Station included two lodges, stables, and a small crossroad village with a general store, blacksmith shop, and cafe.

Impact on Taxes

Residents expressed concerns about the impact of new developments on property values and taxes. They emphasized the attraction of living in a rural area and the need to preserve the county’s beauty and rural character.

Conclusion

The request for rezoning was unanimously denied by the Board of Commissioners, with applause and cheers from the room. It is unclear whether the developer, John Tatum, will rework or abandon the Laurel Station project.

Contact Andrew Wilkins at awilkins@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • Indicator: Increase in access to adequate housing and basic services in rural areas.

2. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Indicator: Percentage of land set aside for conservation in the proposed development.

The article discusses a proposed residential development in rural Chattanooga Valley that was denied due to concerns about increased traffic, threats to the area’s rural character, limited sewer capacity, and the potential impact on schools. Based on this information, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator: Increase in access to adequate housing and basic services in rural areas (related to Target 11.1).
• Indicator: Percentage of land set aside for conservation in the proposed development (related to Target 15.1).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: timesfreepress.com

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