Tensions ran high and many East Ridge residents were left with more questions than answers Thursday evening after attending the city's community meeting that was meant to "further collaborate with citizens to solicit input about redevelopment needs."
The frustration began last month after some residents received letters from the city telling them their property was within a zone to redevelop blighted properties. But after homeowners expressed outrage earlier this week, the five-member East Ridge Housing and Redevelopment Authority announced it would redraft the plan.
Thursday's gathering, held at the East Ridge Community Center, drew a crowd so large there wasn't enough room in the gymnasium. Many people were left in the lobby, unable to hear what was being said because there was no public address system. Some people who were inside also couldn't hear well, leading to shouts of "Speak up!" while others responded, "Shut up! We can't hear!"
East Ridge Mayor Brent Lambert opened the meeting to light "booing" and hostile questions about the intent of the plan. Former city councilman and member of the redevelopment board Darwin Branam blamed social media for the "spread of rumors" and said taking over people's homes was never the intent of the plan.
Branam said procedures for relocation of residents and businesses were included in the 25-page redevelopment plan because state law requires such plans to include that information, but he said that the city does not intend to relocate anyone.
However, despite the board announcing the redrafting of the plan on Monday, the map that was displayed on tables at Thursday's meeting still included residential properties. And of the 10 tables set up for residents to ask questions, only seven had a city official present. In fact, multiple residents said they were unable to talk to anyone.
"There is no one there to answer our questions," said Jody Grant, a member of the newly formed group East Ridge Citizens for Property Rights. "... The five people who created this plan [are not] elected officials."
Several people held signs calling for the development authority to be dissolved.
Grant said she doesn't believe residents are against development and improvement, but citizens should have a say and their property shouldn't be in jeopardy.
"There is no reason to include our homes," she said. "If you build up the commercial property down Ringgold Road, then it will be 'If you build it, they will come.'"
Other common questions included why the zone covers such a large part of East Ridge, why there are pockets of unaffected land in the middle of large red areas, and what exactly does "redevelopment" mean.
City Manager Scott Miller said planners can't just pick houses on their own. They have to highlight entire streets or districts. That is why such a large area has been highlighted and why many people whose homes are well-kempt also received letters. A large flood zone area also is included in the blight zone.
Miller said the city doesn't plan on taking over properties for development. He said the new plan will focus on abandoned commercial buildings, and he plans on working with property owners to make the property productive.
As for why there are several pockets of unaffected land, both Miller and director of community services Kenny Custer had no "true explanation."
Regardless, both men said the map will be redrawn to exclude residential properties.
But Milad Emam, an attorney with the Institute for Justice who was also present, cautioned people to keep in mind that, while city officials said they would exclude residential properties, those statements are not enforceable.
"A blight designation is the first step toward eminent domain," he said. "And the plan that I've seen attempts to [make a blight designation]."
The current plan does state that "properties within the [zone] consist of many blighting influences" and lists several examples of how planners reached this conclusion, including photos of boarded up homes and unused land and buildings.
Robby Read, one of the many residents who live in the redevelopment zone, has been doing his own research on the issue.
"We just wanted to make sure what we've been researching ourselves is true, and what [the planners'] tactics are and trying to figure out if we're in trouble or if we're OK," he said. "I don't think we're OK."
Contact staff writer Rosana Hughes at rhughes@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6327 with tips or story ideas. Follow her on Twitter @Hughes Rosana.