Hamilton County and the town of Walden are considering a joint purchase of 42 acres across from Town Hall on Taft Highway for potential public uses, including a new school to serve the growing population of Walden’s Ridge.
“We’ve been in discussions with Walden Mayor Lee Davis and County Commissioner Chip Baker about the highest and best use of the 40-acre tract of land on Taft Highway,” County Mayor Wamp said in a statement. “Building on a longstanding partnership between the county and the town of Walden, we are exploring the acquisition of the site for multiple future uses.”
Although no specific plan is in place for the property, officials are discussing the possibility of preserving much of the land as a park — particularly the sloped areas around Middle Creek — and using the rest of the property for a public use such as an elementary school or an annex for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Davis said by phone.
Some residents have expressed support for those uses, while others have said they want the property to remain undeveloped or be opened for commercial development, he said.
“There are not many parcels left with that size on Signal Mountain, especially on Taft Highway,” Davis said.