Ringgold City Council is not buying into resident James Rhodes' request to rezone from R2 residential to C2 commercial.
Despite Ringgold Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation for approval, Rhodes' request to re-establish his former small business in order to continue selling firewood and hold weekend yard sales was denied unanimously by City Council.
"I would like to build the same structure that was on that piece of property," said Rhodes of the business, which follows the same parameters as the one he operated at the 745 Tennessee St. site until the building was demolished by the April 2011 tornadoes. "It took me a year to come before ya'll [due to paperwork, drawings and the deed changing hands]."
Rhodes said he made his final payment on the property April 23 and plans to hire an attorney so he can use the property and recoup the $40,000 he spent on it. He said he will contact Ringgold-based attorney McCracken Poston to request his representation.
"James, I'm not against you, but under your own will you asked for C2 zoning and you have to build it to C2 requirements," said Councilman Terry Crawford, noting that the dimensions required around the building are not met by Rhodes' plan. "For each square foot you must have parking spaces and on top of that is sewer. Everything you've asked us for is against the ordinance."
Councilman Earl Henderson pointed out that under C2 requirements, sewer permits are not issued for lots less than 20,000 square feet in size. Rhodes' property measures 9,000 square feet, according to City Manager Dan Wright. Rhodes said the business has a septic tank already.
"I gave Mr. Martin almost everything I have for that property," said Rhodes. "Since the tornado the water has not been turned off. I would like to be able to use my property."
Councilman G. Larry Black and Mayor Barger seemed the most interested in helping Rhodes find a way to use the property.
"Aren't certain business conditions allowed in R2?" Black asked. "The building was destroyed by the tornado. Other businesses were built back in the same place. I see no reason to stop Mr. Rhodes from building back in the same spot."
Mayor Joe Barger said the property could be grandfathered in but needs to look nice for the neighbors.
Raymond Johnson said his family lives across from the property and they are not enthusiastic about a continuous yard sale.
"I want to keep the place clean and looking good," Rhodes said.
Vice Mayor Randall Franks said the only subject in question is the rezoning of the property from R2 to C2; Rhodes will have to revisit the planning commission to request to use the property for his business under its current R2 zoning. In the end, everyone voted for the property to remain R2, but Black only reluctantly agreed after Barger had already announced a unanimous decision.
In other business:
n Ringgold Council is moving forward on plans to build a pedestrian bridge in the city. Originally the plans called for 13 American flags on the bridge, but the council agreed that's too many, opting for 12 flags instead.
n Councilman Nick Millwood let fellow councilmen know that bike docks are being placed around downtown Chattanooga and said he hopes the city of Ringgold will jump on board and place bike docks in Ringgold. "It's been very successful around the country," he said. "Bikes equal less traffic and less pollution. I think it would be an incredible investment for the community."
n Vice Mayor Franks said he has heard of vandalism occurring on the city's Nature Trail when it is closed. "It is my suggestion to construct metal rails for all three entryways [to be] opened at daylight and closed at dusk," said Franks, adding that falls in line with the facility's operating hours. "We will get cameras to enhance security at that location."
n Ringgold resident George Rhinehart said he is tired of dodging cars parked along the street and on the sidewalk on Hunter Lane. He said six to eight vehicles park on the sidewalk at a time. He said while driving down Hunter Lane he had to drive onto the curb to avoid a collision due to cars illegally parked.