A study covering the logistics and feasibility of Collegedale annexing its urban growth boundary to the Bradley County line has been talked about for years but is finally getting the official motion to move forward.
Vice Mayor Tim Johnson expressed frustration at the June 21 public meeting that no action had yet been taken. City Attorney Sam Elliott apologized for the confusion and delay. He pointed out that “so far we’ve done it in individual, specific lots” instead of the broad study this will require.
Following approval of the formal motion, the city’s Planning Commission will undertake the study and report back to the commission, which will then decide whether or not to move forward.
Several commissioners have already expressed interest in bringing those unincorporated areas into the city.
“That’s what we thought is kind of some growth potential for us,” Johnson said before asking about the possibility of also annexing what is considered “Old Ooltewah.”
“You need to be thinking in terms of what tax revenue it (annexation) will bring in,” said Elliott, who advised that the sparsely populated area would not hold much benefit for the city. Regardless, the area cannot be annexed until the current urban growth boundary expires in 2020, according to Elliott.
He also advised that any annexation occur in small parcels and contain pieces of property, not just the roadway as Johnson had suggested.
“You don’t want to annex the roadway because all you’re doing is taking on maintenance,” said Elliott. “Do it in pieces rather than one fell swoop. It makes it easier to deal with if there’s litigation.”