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For information on the grant, contact James McKissic 423-6701, or write jmckissic@chattanooga.gov.The city’s project liaison for the Wilcox Tunnel improvement project is Blythe Bailey. Contact him at 643-5950 or write bbailey@chattanooga.gov.
The Wilcox Tunnel will not be complete this month as initially scheduled, but the city will offer financial support and resources to businesses struggling because the tunnel is closed.
"We had some trouble in getting from our electrical contractors to our liner contractors," said Blythe Bailey, the city's transportation administrator. "That struggle has ate up our extra time, but we've got that liner contractor on board now." The new tunnel completion date is April 11.
Bailey addressed a crowd of nearly 100 people at Eastdale Youth and Family Development Center on Monday. The audience included Councilmen Larry Grohn, Moses Freeman and Yusuf Hakeem. Maura Sullivan, the city's chief operating officer, also attended.
The meeting was the first of two that city officials hosted to address the concerns of businesses and residents on both sides of the Wilcox Tunnel. Officials also hosted a meeting at Avondale Center on Monday.
Despite the city's announcement it will provide financial assistance, some residents and merchants still voiced opposition.
"We're disappointed that we're being lulled into a discussion about paint and lights when those are not the real problems," said long-time area resident Joe Rowe. "This whole community has been neglected. Even the sign you put down on Wilcox Boulevard was insensitive. It said 'major renovation.' Major what? You're painting and running electrical wiring." Several people in the audience clapped.
It's been years since even emergency vehicles could get through the tunnel, he said.
City officials shut down the 83-year-old tunnel in August, predicting a $2 million renovation offering better lighting, no water leaks and safer driving conditions. They said it would be finished by the end of February. But some weeks before the deadline, the city informed merchants and residents that sandblasting the tunnel could reveal unanticipated problems that may require more time.
"I have talked to our new contractor, who is committed with us to get done with the project, and the new deadline does give us some extra cushion. If we can finish early we will," Bailey said Monday.
He spoke after several merchants told him how their businesses have suffered because of the tunnel closure.
City officials on Monday also announced a "construction mitigation program" they developed as a result of a previous meeting with residents and business owners affected by the tunnel work.
"We put together a package for direct financial assistance," said James McKissic, the city's director of multicultural affairs. "This is a $1,000 grant that we will offer to businesses who have been affected. The rollout date is March 1."
The city plans to determine eligibility requirements and have applications ready by that date, he said.
The grants will require approval from the City Council.
The plan also includes offering businesses paid advertising in area publications, creating city-funded signs leading vehicles to businesses and offering free public transportation from parking areas to stores.
Donna Williams, director of economic development, told the audience the new program is a result of how well businesses and residents organized and brought their requests to the mayor.
"It never would have happened had it not been for you diligently caring about your community and going about it the right way," she said. "He [the mayor] has given us very specific directives about how we are to make this a win for the community."
Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 757-6431.