A developer of controversial new housing proposed for a St. Elmo steep slope says he expects to tweak his design and try again to gain approval from a Chattanooga historic zoning panel.
Jason Craven, who is overseeing the proposed project on Tennessee Avenue for Watchtower Investments, said he sees a decision by the zoning panel this week to defer action on his request as “a win.”
“We have clear guidelines,” he said after a hour-and-a-half meeting before the Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission in which the panel offered suggestions to the development group.
Opponents to that house, and two other residences proposed for adjoining lots near Tennessee Avenue and 42nd Street, said they’d rather have seen the panel deny the zoning request outright.
“I’d prefer a denial,” said Tim McDonald, who lives near the vacant tracts and is among stiff opposition put up by the neighborhood. “I don’t think it’s compatible. I don’t think the scale is right.”