Audio clip
Debra Wilson
Real estate agents say that while Saturday's shooting incident near Coolidge Park appears isolated, the city needs to protect its investment in the area.
"The city has spent a lot money in downtown," said Darlene Brown, co-owner of Real Estate Partners in the city.
COOLIDGE PARK
Work on the park started in 1998 and it's named for U.S. Medal of Honor winner Charles Coolidge of Chattanooga.
Officials said Monday a "flash mob" got out of hand Saturday night in the park, which led to five shooting victims. The five received non-fatal gunshot wounds to the legs.
Debra Wilson, an agent for Keller Williams, said the city needs to make sure the area is safe.
She said if incidents are occurring during hours when families are out, "you need the extra monitoring at that time. Absolutely, they need to protect the investment that we've made."
Margaret Thompson, an agent for Fletcher Bright Co., said such incidents "aren't good for the town as a whole."
But, she said she's confident police will take care of the situation and she feels safe on the North Shore.
Still, Tom Edd Wilson, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce's chief executive, said there's "absolutely nothing positive that can come from an incident like that which happened Saturday night regardless of where it happens."
"Crime is an area where companies that are looking to move, to establish a plant or an expansion, crime is a statistic they look at," he said. "And if this continues, it will have an impact on our ability to recruit companies and families to Chattanooga."
Staff Writer Todd South contributed to this story.
Mike Pare, the deputy Business editor at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, has worked at the paper for 27 years. In addition to editing, Mike also writes Business stories and covers Volkswagen, economic development and manufacturing in Chattanooga and the surrounding area. In the past he also has covered higher education. Mike, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida Atlantic University. he worked at the Rome News-Tribune before ...
I don't think that the city will do anything about for fear of the backlash of picking on certain "groups" of people. Nevermind the fear of the innocent taxpayers that have to put up with this.
This city needs to remember "If you do the crime, you do the time."
Funny, I've never seen a delegation like that responding to gunfire in Alton Park, Brainerd or Bushtown. I guess the families in those areas are expendable. Since the city hasn't made any "investments" in those areas, I guess we shouldn't care. I mean, we GOTTA keep Coolidge Park safe for the big Christian Easter party and church service, don't we?
librul, when was the last time YOU visited Alton Park, Brainerd, or Bushtown in order to eat lunch or dinner, splurge on ice cream or cocktails, or purchase the latest fashions, books or art? I bet it's ZERO and that would be the same for me as well as the vast majority of citzens and visitors.
Something needs to be DONE about this period! Stop passing the buck and Get 'er Done! These shoot outs need to stop no matter if they are in Highland Park, Alton Park or Coolidge Park. Remember when this situation was happening at the Mall? They placed a Curfew on immediately. Yes I am sure they lost revenue but not nearly as much as if folks quit going out of fear. The Mayor, The Police Chief and the City Council ARE responsible...they are responsible to US! My Comment : DO SOMETHING!
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