ADDENDUM 10/2025 concerning Enterprise South Park:

Many of you signed this petition to support responsible growth in Hamilton County that protects our quality of life, infrastructure, community, and natural resources. Now, a new issue threatens those same values -- the proposed sale of over 500 acres of Enterprise South Nature Park to industrial developers. This land was never part of the Industrial Park. It was transferred by the federal government to Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga with the condition that it be protected forever.

Enterprise South Nature Park is the county’s largest green space and a vital area for families, students, and wildlife. Officials now propose a “deed swap” that would preserve McDonald Farm but in exchange would convert part of this nature park to industrial use. This doesn't have to be an either or scenario. Both areas can be preserved.The area within Enterprise South Nature Park proposed for the land swap contains established trails, wildlife habitat, and serves as a natural sound buffer from interstate traffic. Removing trees here will expose the rest of the park to interstate and industrial noise if this "deed swap" is approved. Plus, several subdivisions will be affected. Residents were told the park land was protected and would never be developed. 

A very important point that has been left out of the conversation -- Hundreds of acres will be available next year within the existing Enterprise South Industrial Park when Volkswagen’s option expires and additional industrial development can still be focused closer to downtown Chattanooga where the majority of the people are located.

The development of hundreds of acres in the Industrial Park will already impact areas like Harrison and Ooltewah by increasing traffic and congestion on roads that are already over capacity. We don't need to add even more industrial areas by sacrificing our park. There is plenty of Industrial Land.  

This isn’t about stopping growth. It’s about ensuring growth stays responsible—just as this petition has always called for.

Both McDonald Farm and Enterprise South Nature Park should be preserved!

You can learn more and join thousands of residents who are speaking up to protect Enterprise South Nature Park here:
Petition link: https://c.org/LdNtCjWwvg
Learn more & read the FAQ: www.SaveESNP.org 

Thank you for continuing to stand for thoughtful, responsible development that preserves the places we all share.

ORIGINAL PETITION:

Like so many areas in Hamilton County, our District is experiencing unprecedented and rapid growth. We are not against growth, but we want it to be Responsible. 
The new area plan, which is a guide for future development, presented by the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) included high density housing and large commercial centers. 
In response to public opposition to the RPA plan, a Community Committee was formed to work on a plan that the residents can support. With the help of some of our county officials, the Committee then compromised on a plan that has a better chance for approval. The Compromise Plan will be presented to the Planning Commission for a vote in May.
The Planning Commission can approve the Compromise Plan, make changes to it, or approve the original RPA plan (high density housing and large commercial centers). The plan that is approved by the Planning Commission will then be voted on by the County Commission in June. 
There are so many issues in our area including unimproved roads, traffic, schools, etc. Please sign this petition to show your support for the Compromise Plan made by the Community Committee. Time is of the essence! There is no cost to sign the petition. Please share it with others!
In addition to the petition, we need to have a large turnout for the Planning Commission meeting May 12th, time to be announced, and County Commission meetings June 11th and June 18th, both at 9:30AM. All meetings will be held at 625 Georgia Avenue, Hamilton County Courthouse, 4th Floor and Public Comments are allowed. Please mark your calendars!    Thank you!