Developers have the opportunity to do something really special with the largest undeveloped riverfront property in Chattanooga. We hope, in doing so, they don’t put the cart before the horse.
The newly formed Riverton Development Group, which recently paid $8.1 million to purchase 210 acres on the Tennessee River from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, has in mind a walkable neighborhood that offers diverse housing options, a town center of shops, restaurants and small businesses, and a variety of recreation alternatives.
Thinking smartly, the developers’ plan also includes hiking trails, nature trails, parks and wetlands, and leaves about one-third of the property undeveloped.
Officials say the entire build-out – including the phaseout of the nine-hole Lupton City Golf Club that is part of the land purchase – could be completed in five to seven years. That’s where we worry.
Currently, one main road, Lupton Drive, leads to the area. Adding several hundred homes, condominiums and retail establishments increases the load on that thoroughfare manyfold. Speaking of loads, what about the area’s sewers? How much retooling and installing of sewers must occur before final development of the area begins?