A subdivision with 129 single-family homes and 95 townhomes proposed near Ooltewah Elementary School by developer Jay W. Bell got a thumbs up last week from local planners, even though some neighbors at the McKenzie Farm subdivision next door didn't like parts of the proposed development.
"We're just trying to work with what the market seems to be wanting right there," Bell told commissioners.
But during a public hearing last Monday, McKenzie Farm homeowner Jeffrey Tyndall objected to the townhomes proposed to be built in Bell's planned unit development.
"A smaller amount of townhouses may be appropriate," said Tyndall, who works as a planner. "What I'm against is the proposed density, which is much more than anything you've seen in the area."
But planning commissioner Eric Myers, an architect who described himself as an "urbanist," or someone who's focused on urban design, said it made sense to have dense housing near the elementary school so students could walk there - like he did while growing up.
"This is density right next to a public school - which is great," Myers said. "I really think this is good planning."
Chattanooga City Councilman Yusuf Hakeem made the motion to approve the project, which got unanimous approval.
The planning commission staff had recommended that the new subdivision provide a pedestrian connection off Sweetfern Drive through a proposed community lot - something that Bell didn't want. Hakeem sided with the developer over planning commission staff, and struck that from his motion.
Bell has tentatively named the subdivision Snowy Owl.
"We're going to name it 'Snowy Owl,' or something," Bell said. "We don't know yet, but we'll come up with a great name."
Contact Tim Omarzu at tomarzu@timesfreepress.com or 757-6651.