News Summary
The East Ridge City Council has approved various commercial development plans to promote local growth under its Border Region retail tourism development district status. Notable projects include the proposed Magnolia Grove townhome development at John Ross Road, which aims to enhance residential neighborhoods, and a mixed-use redevelopment plan for an under-utilized motel to introduce retail spaces and apartments. The council is also enhancing security in the area with new insurance proposals and allowing community events to thrive.
East Ridge City Council Approves Multiple New Developments as Retail Growth Continues
The East Ridge City Council has recently approved various commercial development plans, leveraging the city’s Border Region retail tourism development district status. City Manager Scott Miller announced during the meeting that new business additions are projected to continue until June 2027, encouraging timely completion of these developments to boost local growth.
Among the notable projects is a planned development for 68 townhomes located at 1512 John Ross Road. This project received its first reading approval and now awaits a second reading for final approval to rezone the property from a C-4 Planned Commercial Commerce Center District to an RZ1-Zero Lot Line Residential District. The proposal aims to transition the area from commercial space to residential, enhancing the neighborhood without increasing traffic in the Lansdell Park area.
The planned community, named Magnolia Grove, will have its buildings spaced 20 feet apart to maintain a traditional neighborhood feel. This zoning change enables the development of townhouses on what is currently described as a “sea of red clay.” During the public hearing, there was no opposition from local residents, and the developer’s representative expressed willingness to hold a private meeting for resident inquiries.
Additionally, an adjacent property at 6419 McCall Road has been purchased and re-zoned from an R-2 Duplex District to a C-4 Planned Commerce Center District, aligning with plans for commercial integration. Furthermore, a mixed-use redevelopment plan for an under-utilized motel at 6510 Ringgold Road has also received council approval. This plan involves converting the road-facing section of the motel into five retail spaces, with one tenant already signed on for all spaces.
The back section of the motel will be renovated into small efficiency or 1-bedroom apartments, offering rental prices between $950 and $1,250 per month, with mandatory six-month rental agreements. These changes aim to enhance the security in the area, ensuring thorough vetting of tenants by the leasing company. Construction is targeted for completion within 18 months, with the back building continuing to operate as a motel until renovations begin.
The council also approved a $42,507 purchase for kitchen equipment intended for the new multi-use facility, Venue 1921, and a monument sign design that will complement the facility’s style and materials. Additionally, a variance from the sign ordinance has been granted to AK Roofing, permitting the installation of two LED messaging centers to replace their existing static sign.
A rezoning request for a residential house to an R-2 Duplex District for short-term rental use was denied after facing opposition from nearby homeowners. On a community note, the East Ridge Optimist Club was granted permission to hold their annual fishing tournament at Dickert Pond free of charge, along with the use of the East Ridge Community Center for meetings with fee waivers for two years.
Moreover, the council approved various insurance proposals to improve city services. Public Entity Partners will provide coverage for liability, property, auto, and errors & omissions insurance, while Workers’ Compensation Insurance will come from Key Risk, and cyber insurance will be handled by Coalition Insurance Solutions. Collectively, these measures will result in a 23% savings from the previous year.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: 6 Years After Groundbreaking, East Ridge Still…
- Wikipedia: East Ridge, Tennessee
- WDEF: New Development Planned for Former East Ridge Food City Shopping Center
- Google Search: East Ridge development news
- Local 3 News: Northgate Crossing Shopping Center Acquired by New Owner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- Times Free Press: East Ridge Hotel to be Converted to Apartments
- Google Scholar: East Ridge urban development
