posted January 23, 2008
A large crowd turned out Tuesday night to take part in a new effort to "Energize East Ridge".
Mayor Mike Steele said, "It was absolutely wonderful to see the turnout and the involvement on a cold, rainy night. There was so much positive energy in that room."
He said about 150 people took part in the visioning process.
Ideas that were generated included a move toward more single-family homes rather than multi-family housing, stronger ordinances to make East Ridge visibly more attractive, more sidewalks, more walking trails and more places to bike.
One idea was to change the name of Ringgold Road. Mayor Steele said, "It was felt that the name honors Ringgold more than it does East Ridge." But he said that suggestion might not be welcomed by business owners, who would have to make numerous sign, letterhead and other changes.
Those attending were divided into six different groups. There were votes on the popularity of the ideas that were brought up.
Mayor Steele said that will be the major meeting of the effort, but he said there will be two more sessions. He said the dates have not been set. They will be over the next few weeks.
He said one may be held early in the day and one at mid day to try to accommodate different groups.
Mayor Steele said he hopes to quickly implement some of the suggestions. He said others may be mid-range and others long-range.
Developers of a water park at East Ridge were among those at the session.
Consultant Jim Kennedy is helping to compile the suggestions into a plan of action.
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