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Commissioners approve joint purchase of 19‑acre Boy Scouts parcel to protect Enterprise South Nature Park
Summary
The commission voted to buy a 19‑acre parcel adjacent to Enterprise South Nature Park for $525,000 (cost to be shared with the City of Chattanooga), amending the funding source to recreation bond funds and adding county intent to seek rezoning to open space.
Hamilton County commissioners voted May 6 to authorize the county mayor to contract for purchase of a 19‑acre parcel adjacent to Interstate 75 and Volkswagen Drive for $525,000, with costs to be shared equally with the City of Chattanooga. The vote enacted Resolution 526-14 as amended to specify the county will use recreation bond funds and will seek rezoning to open space.
Commission debate focused on appraisal, access easements, zoning and urgency. Commissioner Highlander raised concerns that the parcel—while appraised and currently zoned for industrial use—has limited roadway access and is effectively landlocked by Enterprise South Nature Park, making industrial redevelopment impractical. He sought a second appraisal; after discussion the motioner withdrew the request for an additional appraisal and an amendment specifying recreational bond funding and an explicit statement of intent to pursue rezoning to open space carried on roll call.
Supporters from Save Enterprise South Nature Park and other residents urged the purchase as a risk‑mitigation measure to prevent incompatible industrial development that could degrade the park experience. Melissa Ray of Save Enterprise South said acquiring the parcel would ‘‘permanently remove that uncertainty’’ around future development and preserve the park’s buffer.
Legal and practical questions discussed at the meeting included the expirations of earlier easements granted to the Boy Scouts, the potential for ownership to shift to a national organization, and the timeline for potential sale to third parties. County staff and the county attorney said ownership by both the county and the city would give the partners leverage over future land use, and that rezoning would ultimately be a city council decision because the parcel lies within Chattanooga city limits.
The amended resolution passed on roll call; commissioners said they will follow up with the city and staff to frame next steps for closing and for the rezoning process.
