Update: Development in Soddy-Daisy near Hixson Pike approved Monday, but with fewer lots

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — UPDATE (Dec. 11th):

Potential development in the Hixson Pike area took a step forward on Monday. But it will include fewer lots than originally planned.

Developers wanted to add 700 homes to Green Pond Road near Hixson Pike.

But last week, residents said that decision could bring traffic issues and increase flooding in that area (see more below).

On Monday, a consulting group reduced the number of lots to 550, and suggested adding a landscape buffer around the new homes.

That would help keep water from moving to other properties.

Whether we do anything with this development or not, there's always going to be flooding concerns there until solutions are put in place,' Allen Jones of Stone Creek Consulting said.

The group also conducted a traffic study.

But Soddy-Daisy residents and the county commissioner representing them say the changes are still too dangerous.

I don't know who the liability goes on if this goes through,' Brandon Bates said. 'Obviously we're telling you it's gonna happen. The developers are gonna get their money and get out. They're not gonna take liability. The flooding's gonna get worse and worse. Who's gonna take liability for that?

These people aren't able to pick up and leave if they have flooding every month. And it's unfair to them to add even more water,' Commissioner Geen-o Shipley said.

Other residents added roads near this development are on blind drives.

They fear pedestrians will get hit if more homes are built in the area.

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission approved the new re-zoning plan.

It now heads to the Hamilton County Commission.

Depend on us to keep you posted.

EARLIER:

Some residents of Soddy-Daisy oppose a proposed development plan that could add 700 houses to the Hixson Pike area.

They made their opinions clear at Friday night's meeting about the plans.

Here's a map that shows the preliminary development plan for Green Pond Road.

Many residents have several concerns about it.

One of those main concerns? A potential for flooding.

"So our residents are now going to live in all the traffic, all the homes, all the disturbance and still be dealing with flooding, as it is today. It's gonna get worse. Yeah."

Soddy-Daisy residents think there is too much that needs to be done, and adding new homes would only add to existing problems.

"It's really the density. Yes, water is an issue, and sewer, but also just simply people. 1,400 more cars on a two lane road? How about 1,400 more kids into the schools that are falling apart?"

Some felt the area is already overcrowded as is.

"This is going to increase our population, by, we did the math, what 16 to 20%?"

When asked how he would vote on this issue, Hamilton County commissioner Gene-O Shipley said...

"I'm gonna vote no."

Shipley says he won't change his mind on the matter. He agrees with the concerns, specifically about the potential flooding.

"We're serious, but the water runoff and the flooding, to me it is the worst thing. That can be devastating to the people on Green Pond Road."

There was no decision made on the development Friday night.

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission is expected to hold a re-zoning meeting for this development on Monday.