Wow. I thought the arrival of Bass Pro Shop would help bring East Ridge back to a position of prominence in the Chattanooga area, but the Council proved otherwise last night.
To the council - There is a reason that the developers want that dirt: It's valuable. You currently own it and the developer wants it. Bass Pro has already agreed to set up shop. They were going to bring in the dirt regardless. And apparently they had free dirt already ready. But not missing a chance to devastate the last remaining good thing that East Ridge had going for it, they decide to undercut half of the park and cause potential flood devastation.
I'm not a civil engineer, but it does not take much brains or many rainy day visits to East Ridge to realize that removing the high ground won't be a good idea. As proposed, Bass Pro Shop will be on the high ground and East Ridge will have the low ground. Did the council ask for the engineering firm to certify that the Arena won't flood? Is the city ready for that liability? Or that it won't damage the rest of the park? Don't forget that developments provide lots of impervious paving as well (that means more flood water upstream). The proposed $100,000 savings could cost East Ridge a lot more.
Whats the replacement cost of the dirt? You know, if the council decides the taxpayers need to re-reinstall the berm back to prevent flooding?
Speaking of the $100,000, Council, can you build all that they are offering for that price? Seem too good to be true? Yup, you've been duped. But that's OK, because when the water moves across the park "faster," (the engineer's words, not mine), it will certainly make sure to erode and wash out the finely manicured soccer fields. The taxpayers will pay for the costly repairs.
Flooding and Camp Jordan - So the park is a huge event draw. It brings softball teams from across the nation to East Ridge. They fill the hotels and eat at the restaurants, spending the money throughout, but the liability of having a park that could flood more than it currently does will soon make the venue unreliable. One big event that gets canceled due to flood and they will be looking elsewhere - the story of East Ridge...
It is very important to remember these guys when election season comes around. Larry Sewell is running again. You may trust him on a lot of issues, but will you trust him not to sell the dirt out from underneath you? He did. Vote him and the mayor/vice mayor out.
Tim Giordano