Chattanooga City Hall
Site of proposed Hillocks Farm development along Highway 153 in Hixson.
Plan for proposed Hillocks Farm development along Highway 153 in Hixson.Putting aside reservations about traffic, the City Council on Tuesday unanimously took the first step to approve a $100 million development expected to bring hundreds of jobs along with high-end apartments, restaurants and retail that could change the face of Hixson along Highway 153.
Several council members acknowledged congestion concerns raised by the city’s transportation director, but argued that wasn’t a large enough issue to stop the Hillocks Farm project, which has been through 20 meetings and gained the overwhelming support of the community.
“I don’t think the project should have been stopped because of this,” said Council Chairman Yusuf Hakeem. “That’s more of an issue that needs to be addressed with the state and we’re going to continue to do that.”
The City Council will take a final vote on the Hillocks Farm plan next week, and approval is anticipated.
With that, the project will be set in motion and phased in over the next six years. The revised plan for Hillocks Farm leaves about 60 acres — one-third of the entire project — as green areas and open space, including pedestrian trails, and a 100-foot, undeveloped buffer between the development and surrounding residential neighborhoods.