Cleveland Annexation PlanCLEVELAND, Tenn. – Cleveland is looking to add 2.41 square miles and at least 500 Bradley County residents in the near future.
This week, city planners discussed plans targeting eight areas that would increase growth of all of Cleveland’s districts except the 2nd District and bring in another $152,755 a year in property taxes. If annexation goes according to plans, the incorporation process will be complete by June 13.
Three of the proposed annexations have met with some resistance, primarily from real estate developers concerned they could incur extra costs if they have to redo roads and other construction to meet city standards. Some complained that Cleveland officials are trying to expedite annexations to beat possible changes in state law that would require referendum votes for annexation plans.
“This is definitely not something we have just started,” said Cleveland City Manager Janice Casteel. “We worked with Cleveland Utilities to make sure they would be able to serve an area; those discussions have been going on for some time.”
On Tuesday, the Cleveland Planning Commission approved six annexation plans for Hardwick Farms, a portion of Anatole, the proposed veterans home and areas located on Old Chattanooga Pike, Autumn Drive and Mason Road.