Dear Friends of Mountain Creek
 
 If you have signed the electronic petition instead of a paper version and feel ownership for this issue, please respond to this plea. WE NEED ALL STAKEHOLDERS TO STATE THEIR COMMENTS WITH AN ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE DEVELOPER’S  PROPOSAL.  The North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy (NCCC) article that was published in the Chattanooga online newspaper shown on the attached link requests community input to the latest developer’s proposal. If the NCCC mountain biking community responds and you do not, it will appear as though we are indifferent and our silence will support the developer’s “concessions”.
 (Requested action at end)

In Saturday’s Chattanoogan.com, the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy (NCCC) placed an article summarizing and endorsing “concessions” offered by Pratt Development for the development of the Quarry.  Pratt has offered to give NCCC the parking lot in front of the clubhouse for an access point and parking lot for their planned Walden Ridge Mountain Bike and Bouldering Park. He has also offered to donate the 4+ acre area behind the clubhouse where he had started the permit process to build single family homes; this donation would be a positive step that would conserve the Post Oak. 
 
However, he additionally proposes to place (medium density) attached homes for sale in front of the clubhouse to and across Mountain Creek Road to Reads Lake plus (High density) apartments in the areas between Tiger Lily and West View and across Reads Lake behind the homes on Spring Lake Road.
 
In Mr. Pratt’s vernacular, a dwelling is a “door”. One door equals one dwelling. This new plan amounts to 305 doors on about 2/3 of the total acreage of the site. Prior to these “concessions”, he was seeking just under 200 doors for the total site.  So, while the new plan indeed provides more greenspace, it also increases the density.  Significantly increases the density.  Since these medium and high density housing components do not fit the current zoning, he will need to obtain RPA and City Council approval for a planned unit development (a “PUD”) which will allow the input of District 1 voters like you.
 
It appears that Pratt has appointed the NCCC as our mediators and they seem to have gladly accepted that role. Although the McDonald family donated 200 acres with an access point and room for parking from Mountain Creek Road for their park, the “payoff” to NCCC is an already constructed parking space in front of the clubhouse and a nice greenspace right at the foot of the park.  A much desired amenity.  
 
NCCC states in the Saturday release that most of the issues with the Quarry development are satisfied by Pratt’s concessions. By so stating, it is clear that NCCC holds no regard for traffic, the neighbors home values, tranquility, rural character or other issues important to stakeholders. The “plan” so far does not include information about conservation of the spring fed ponds (S-shaped or Reads Lake) and streams south of Mountain Creek Road. Mega-density 50% greater than the last highest proposed density and with rental units will likely spell their demise.  We do not see this as a fair trade.  It needs more work.
 
We believe that this notion to dedicate green space for the benefit of what could become one of the most scenic parks in our city is a great step forward.  We applaud recognition of the value of preservation of the Chattanooga Post Oak.  We are excited that the streams behind the clubhouse may survive. 
 
REQUESTED ACTION:
 
In your own words, please voice your opinion of this plan in an email to contact@northchick.org and fomcquarry@gmail.com  For simplicity’s sake, we have suggested possible replies below:   

I accept the latest plan that includes concessions proposed by Pratt and endorsed by NCCC. Saving the tree and giving NCCC a parking lot are the highest priorities. A medium density development south and east of the clubhouse past the former Reads Lake transitioning to very high density apartments toward Soloman Seal and Spring Lake Roads will benefit the community and not affect me.
OR,

I reject the proposed plan and aspire to a better outcome. There is a middle ground of all  R-1 construction preserving the tree, greenspace, streams and ponds.
OR,  

 I reject the proposed plan and refuse to be threatened or bullied over the tree. If he cuts it down, it’s his doing. I prefer that the Quarry remain a recreational greenspace available to all as it has been for generations. Pratt should accept FOMC’s offer to buy the property to create a conservation easement or do that himself.
Please also copy your response to fomcquarry@gmail.com.
Note: map file size is reduced to allow mailing which reduces clarity. Please request

This message was prepared by Bob Geier and Steve Hunt with the knowledge and consent of Fran Geier, Lorraine Foreman, Chuck Grant, Jim Folkner and several others from FOMC