A Chattanooga developer Thursday received rezoning approval from the East Ridge City Council for a tract of land that's to hold a proposed indoor water park and hotel.
Roshan Amin, chief executive officer of the Dynamic Group, said his group is ready to move ahead with the $27 million project that also includes a TownePlace Suites by Marriott.
"We're very appreciative," Amin said after gaining the OK of the council in a 3-0 vote.
But, before construction can start at Ringgold and Frawley roads, just east of Interstate-75, he said his group must first submit design and site plans. Those also will need city approval, Amin said.
Vice Mayor Larry Sewell said the meeting Thursday just dealt with rezoning of the site.
"There's a lot more they'll have to go through," he said.
Amin said his group will try to expedite the process. His group believes the project will benefit from sports tournaments and events at nearby Camp Jordan as the Bass Pro Shops store.
Also, Amin said he's hopeful that another nearby developer doesn't try to block the hotel and water park.
In the last two days, he said in an email, he has heard that members of the other development group are opposed to the project.
"I hope it's not a concern," Amin said after the meeting.
Amin said the project offers the city council an opportunity "to bring another big win to East Ridge by saying yes to a developer with a proven track record of delivering."
He said the hotel and water park will create $10 million in taxable gross revenue annually, increase property taxes received by the community and boost new revenue for convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, and small business as East Ridge, including the Border Region Tax Incentive to the city from the sales taxes received by the state.
Amin said the four-story hotel and 50-foot-high water park will be detached from one another. People interested in using the water park won't have to stay in the hotel, he said.
"I think the water park will appeal to people who live in Southeast Tennessee, North Alabama and North Georgia, including families visiting Camp Jordan, as well as tourists visiting Chattanooga or families traveling on I-75 or I-24 to and from Florida," he said.
Just one neighbor to the proposed project spoke at the meeting, asking questions about potential noise, traffic and other concerns. But, he said, he wasn't against the project.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318. Follow him on Twitter @MikePareTFP.