Citizens of East Ridge are helping plan the future of their city through a public forum called Energize East Ridge.
“This is an effort to make East Ridge a better place to live, work and play,” said Gene Burnett, a member of the East Ridge Revitalization committee.
More than 300 residents have participated in three meetings, the last drawing about 50 Thursday night to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where they shared ideas about how to transform their hometown.
“The most important thing we have to answer is, ‘What are you going to do about it?’” Mayor Mike Steele said. “We must develop a procedure to implement some of the suggestions expressed during these meetings. Every idea the community votes on, we are going to act.”
Jim Kennedy, whose firm Kennedy, Coulter, Rushing & Watson facilitated the meetings, said community building decisions are important for today and for years to come.
“This is a public conversation about creating the best possible future for our citizens, our children and our children’s children,” Mr. Kennedy said. “The questions are: ‘What is your vision for the future and what will it take to get us there?’”
Living, learning, working, playing, places of importance and how to get around the city are the topics addressed during small group discussions.
Rose Mary Baker, a 60-year resident of East Ridge, said she attended two of the public meetings because she hopes citizens and elected officials can work together to create a better community.
“It’s getting kind of run down,” she said, recalling the days when East Ridge was a vibrant, self-contained community. “I think if we all work hard together it could change.”
Valerie Madron said East Ridge has a golden opportunity for revitalization, just as Chattanooga Venture with its “Vision 2000” program spearheaded the rebirth of downtown Chattanooga.
Ms. Madron’s son Matt and her 16-year-old nephew Riley Scott participated in the group discussions and were applauded for offering a younger perspective on East Ridge’s future.
“It’s good to see what could happen,” Mr. Scott said, after seeing what were considered, by consensus, as priorities. “It has potential.”
What next
Anyone wishing to participate in the planning the future of East Ridge can do so online at www.energizeer.com
Some of the priorities agreed on Thursday:
* More single family homes and fewer duplexes or Section 8 apartments.
* Environmental cleanup of South Chickamauga Creek at Camp Jordan.
* Lower speed limits in residential neighborhoods.
* Redevelop the area near the Ringgold Road intersection with Interstate 75 that is now home to a flea market.
* Improve and increase recreational facilities.
* Create at least three town centers along Ringgold Road to better serve the city.
