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Residents press Chattanooga council on unannounced land clearing and proposed pilot‑policy changes; officials say they will follow up
Summary
During the Jan. 7 public‑comment period residents raised concerns about unannounced land clearing at Ridgeview Circle, the proposed delegation of pilot approvals to the Industrial Development Board, and calls to prioritize local workers on construction projects tied to pilot programs.
Several residents used the Jan. 7 public‑comment period at the Chattanooga City Council meeting to raise concerns about land clearing on private property, the city’s pilot policy process and local hiring on pilot projects.
JR Hudson, identified himself as a resident of Hixson, told the council that workers arrived unannounced on Dec. 31 and began clearing land at a property on Ridgeview Circle. Hudson said the work would encroach on his property and driveway and that he has documentation showing the title closed and the right of way was abandoned in 1970. “This work has been started without any prior notification to myself or other residents of Ridgeview Circle,” Hudson said. He asked the council to help prevent further damage to his property. Councilman Smith said he would meet Hudson after the meeting to review the documentation and follow up.
Other speakers focused on the city’s draft pilot policy and related Industrial Development Board (IDB) procedures. Helen Burns Sharp praised elements of the draft policy but urged the council not to cede oversight to the IDB, saying the council’s review is important because it provides public expertise and oversight. “The public really needs your expertise and oversight. Please keep the council in the approval loop,” Burns Sharp said and requested a public hearing before policies are finalized.
Janice Gooden said she has followed Industrial Development Board meetings and urged continued communication between the council and the IDB. Patrick Sharpley, who works in District 10 and trains local workers for construction and industrial jobs, asked the council to include language in pilot agreements that would create opportunities for local contractors and workers rather than defaulting to out‑of‑town firms.
The public comments drew brief responses from council members who said staff would follow up: Councilman Smith told JR Hudson he would review Hudson’s documents and report back; council members acknowledged Burns Sharp’s request for public input on pilot policy and indicated the council would consider additional outreach.
The council did not take formal action on any of the public‑comment items during the meeting; speakers’ requests were referred to staff and individual council members for follow up.
