Please note that we, the creators of the petition, are not asking for donations of any kind. This is an automated request from change.org that populates on all petitions. Thank you.

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UPDATE - 8/16/19

The vote on Walden Town Center has been moved to October 8 (more information to follow), but we still need your support!

Please join us at the Walden Community Meeting at the Bachman Community Center in place of the scheduled Walden Town Hall meeting.

Our neighbors who oppose this development need to see and hear how important Walden Town Center is to residents who need a reliable and affordable option on the mountain! In addition, a new grocery store and fuel station will generate much-needed revenue for our town and schools without future tax increases. 

The Regional Planning Commission has already approved this proposal. Please share your support and join us at this important meeting. 

To write a letter of support to our town leaders:
Mayor Trohanis – waldenmayor@comcast.net
Vice Mayor Davis – lee.davis@davis-hoss.com
Alderwoman McKenzie - samckenzie@epbfi.com

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UPDATE - 7/17/19

We’re one step closer to a more affordable and reliable shopping option on the mountain!

After hearing important feedback from the community, the landowner submitted a new zoning application for the former Lines Orchids property that better suits our needs.  

The smaller, more community-minded store will offer a diverse range of groceries and household items at affordable prices.

"You don't have one grocery store that cuts across all economic levels on the mountain," landowner John Anderson said.

In addition, a recent study shows that a new store located at 1823 Taft Highway will not create additional traffic on the mountain.

Neighbors, we have an exciting opportunity to replace the dilapidated buildings currently on the property while combating property tax increases. As you may know, the Hall income tax will be fully repealed by the end of 2020. In 2018, the tax supplemented Walden’s budget with an additional $274,821. This funding will soon become eliminated, leaving Walden without this significant budget boost. Towns are looking for ways to recoup some of that money. Signal Mountain is already raising property taxes. Walden can use this revenue generator to avoid that!

Why should we continue to travel off the mountain to shop? Your support will help keep tax revenue within our own city and provide an affordable shopping option to all economic levels on the mountain.

Please sign the petition to show your support and join us at the next Regional Planning Commission meeting on August 12!

Join our supporter group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DriveLessSaveMoreShopHere

Voice your support to the decision-makers! Please contact Mayor William Trohanis and other town officials.

• Mayor Trohanis – waldenmayor@comcast.net
• Vice Mayor Davis – lee.davis@davis-hoss.com
• Alderwoman McKenzie - samckenzie@epbfi.com

You may also e-mail the Regional Planning Agency at regionalpc@chattanooga.gov.

Read more about the new zoning application here: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/business/aroundregion/story/2019/jul/16/walden-grocery-store-proponent-answers-critic/498924/

Read more about the local impact of the Hall income tax repeal here: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/business/aroundregion/story/2019/apr/26/phase-out-hall-income-tax-hits-some-cities/493514/

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As many of you know, the developer withdrew the rezoning request after the planners recommended denying it. Therefore, this will not be discussed at the May 13 Regional Planning Commission Meeting. However, the conversation does not end here! We need your support now more than ever. Please continue to sign and share this petition. We look forward to sharing more information soon.

Show your support for the proposed retail development in the town of Walden!

This is a fantastic opportunity for our community for a number of reasons, including access to affordable groceries and goods without traveling off the mountain.

The planned grocery store will replace the greenhouses and buildings formerly owned by Lines Orchids at 1823 Taft Highway. These buildings are now empty and falling further into disrepair with each passing season.

We have an exciting opportunity to replace the dilapidated buildings while generating beneficial tax revenue for our community. As you may know, the Hall income tax will be fully repealed by the end of 2020. In 2018, the tax supplemented Walden’s budget with an additional $274,821. This funding will soon become eliminated, leaving Walden without this significant budget boost. Town leaders will likely raise property taxes to recoup some of this funding. This is already happening in neighboring towns, including Lookout Mountain. Walden won’t have to if there’s another source of revenue, such as this grocery store.

Why should our tax dollars be used in other areas of the county when we can keep them at home in Walden? Your support will help keep tax revenue within our own city and encourage additional growth and improvement in an area that needs it.

The developer withdrew the original rezoning request after the planners recommended denying it, but the conversation does not stop here! There are several ways you can help. 

1. Please sign the petition to show your support and share with your friends.
2. Join our supporter group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DriveLessSaveMoreShopHere
3. Voice your support to the decision-makers! Please contact Mayor William Trohanis and other town officials. You may also e-mail the Regional Planning Agency at regionalpc@chattanooga.gov. Your voice will make a difference!

Read more about the local impact of the Hall income tax repeal here: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/business/aroundregion/story/2019/apr/26/phase-out-hall-income-tax-hits-some-cities/493514/