IDB accepts Northgate Mall TIF application; staff, developer and counsel outline next legal and review steps

The Industrial Development Board of the City of Chattanooga voted to accept an application from Hixson Mall LLC and BI Developments LLC for a developer‑backed tax increment financing (TIF) plan to support redevelopment of the Northgate Mall site and authorized submission of the application to the Chattanooga City Council and Hamilton County Commission.

The board acted after a staff presentation from Sherita Allen, senior advisor for economic and workforce development, and remarks from developer CBL Properties and outside counsel. The board also set an application‑review committee meeting for Oct. 20 and appointed two IDB representatives to that committee; the city must receive an independent third‑party review and a finalized legal opinion before the IDB reviews the draft Economic Impact Plan (EIP) on Nov. 3, staff said.

Why it matters: The proposal would replace a privately owned sewer and stormwater system that now serves the mall and adjacent properties with public infrastructure built to city and Hixson Utility District standards. The developer proposes to finance construction up front and to be reimbursed from future property‑tax increment and an incremental portion of local option sales taxes tied to the redevelopment, according to public comment and staff materials. The choice to use sales tax…