Community members and government officials packed the South Chattanooga Recreation Center last week to brainstorm the future of St. Elmo's town center. The quaint retail center of the historic community is due for improvements, community members say.
Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise invited Mike Watkins, a city planner from Maryland, to lead a series of charrettes with the community to develop ideas for the center.
In the first two meetings, members of the audience broke into groups to brainstorm ideas. Some were beyond reach, Watkins said, but should be considered in the future after basic changes have been implemented.
"We're trying to focus on functional aspects and what can be implemented sooner with some work," he said.
Other ideas brainstormed involved a possible boat launch into Chattanooga Creek and connecting safe paths between the Alton Park neighborhood and St. Elmo's Bi-Lo.
"These are things that can be done," Watkins told the group. "It's amazing to me that St. Elmo has this little town center and then nature out its backdoor."
Also suggested was a small corner store and plaza down St. Elmo Avenue to provide for residents in the south section of the neighborhood.
Changing zoning ordinances could allow for some homes to function as bed and breakfasts, as was suggested, giving tourists and passersby a place to stay when visiting.
During last week's final presentation, most audience members approved of the ideas proposed by Watkins and his team. More diverse housing opportunities are a must, members of the audience agreed, and controlling traffic by adjusting streets to accommodate parking and bike lanes would help.
Even though Watkins left after debriefing CNE on the plans, he said community leaders and interested parties should maintain interest in the revitalization in order to see results.
"After I leave, the conversation continues," he said. "It's your responsibility to stay involved and to keep it up."