Dear Friends of Mountain Creek
 
Articles appeared last weekend in the Chattanooga Times Free Press and The Chattanoogan presenting Pratt’s (Developer) proposals and North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy’s (NCCC) desire to augment their park with green space in exchange for a Planned Urban Development (PUD). Although sketchy, it appears to propose medium density (80 duplex style homes) in front of the clubhouse and south of Mountain Creek Road up to Reads Lake. It also includes high density (140 rental unit apartments) south of Mountain Creek.
 
NCCC argues that there are only two possible alternatives but as we all know, there are additional possibilities that could be considered. The two are:
1.      R-1 (single family homes) as permitted by the current zoning with NO GREEN SPACE, or
2.      Pratt’s proposed PUD that offers much-implied green space.
 
It is the position of FOMC that NCCC’s assertion that there will be no green space in the R-1 option is far from being accurate. 
 
In fact, much of the green space “offered” in the proposed PUD option is in the floodway or otherwise not available for development. These areas include:
1.      along Mountain Creek between Day Lily and south of Reads Lake,
2.      along Reads Lake Road north of Mountain Creek in front of the clubhouse. Much of this length is too narrow to facilitate a structure
between the buffer and required setbacks and other issues.
 
Therefore, the green space offered in both options is about the same. The only significant “extra” green space area is the four acres behind the clubhouse on which the Post Oak stands. This area presents challenges for development but it still could be developed. 
 
The bottom line is:
1.      Very minimal green space over the required minimum is currently being offered,
2.      Pratt and NCCC are holding the Post Oak hostage for apartments, and
3.      There are other alternatives that could be considered if Pratt chooses to discuss them with FOMC.
 
It continues to be FOMC’s position that NO RENTALS will be accepted. This can be achieved if we all stand united and support our Councilman Chip Henderson in rejecting the PUD.
 
If the tree is cut down, it will be Pratt and NCCC’s doing and will be widely publicized.
 
Thanks for Supporting the Friends of Mountain Creek