Many local residents take great pride in Chattanooga as “The Scenic City” — despite the unfortunate fact that a number of our major streets leading into the downtown area have a rather “tacky” appearance, to say the least.
We do have some beautiful views of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, for example.
How can we best protect those scenic vistas for enjoyment by future generations?
It won’t be easy. Lots of factors have to be considered. But city officials have made a start.
The Chattanooga City Council plans to consider an ordinance that would require builders to get special permission to construct anything over 35 feet high that might “stick up” within 1,000 feet of a few scenic or historic areas.
We certainly don’t want to have too much bureaucracy, or zoning rules that would hinder reasonable economic development.
But with good judgment, cooperation and sensible efforts, we should encourage both scenic improvements and more economic progress for the benefit of us all.