A developer constructing a 271-unit apartment complex on Chattanooga’s North Shore off Manufacturers Road didn’t conduct a transportation impact study, though required, during the proposal process over the past several months.
A complex of that size usually requires the developer to commission such a study, but due to a zoning misinterpretation from the city, the study was not mandated, said Ben Taylor, deputy administrator for the Chattanooga Division of Transportation.
City guidelines show that any complex larger than 200 units would require the developer — in this case the South Carolina-based Middle Street Partners — to conduct a transportation impact study. However, there are exceptions for developments within the core of downtown from the south side of the Tennessee River to the southern edge of downtown, Taylor said.
A reviewer with the city misinterpreted the North Shore development to be within that exception zone, Taylor said. The development is adjacent to the condominium complex One North Shore at 200 Manufacturers Road, just north of the river.
“I would have preferred there was a traffic impact study held,” Taylor said in an interview.