posted November 3, 2009
The City Council on Tuesday night reversed itself on the one annexation sought by Mayor Ron Littlefield that it had turned down.
The council on Sept. 29 unexpectly voted not to approve the annexation of Area 9B at Summitt.
Mayor Littlefield on Tuesday night made a personal appeal for the council to reconsider, saying the tract includes the new freeway exit at Volkswagen, which he said will soon boom with development.
Mayor Littlefield said there can be on new development on the Volkswagen side to the west, but he said a new road will be built at Exit 9 to the east and the area by the freeway is ripe for development.
Voting in favor this time were council members Jack Benson, Sally Robinson, Pam Ladd, Carol Berz, Andrae McGary and Manny Rico. Continuing to oppose were Peter Murphy, Russell Gilbert and Deborah Scott.
Ms. Scott said it is projected the city will spend $2.85 million -mainly on sewers. She said the current tax revenue is just $46,000.
Mayor Littlefield said the city likely won't have to spend the full $2.85 million, and he said the tax revenue should soon jump. He said, "I am sure it will soon pay for itself."
Steve Leach, public works administrator, said Exit 11 at Ooltewah is already thriving with new hotels and restaurants. He said the same will happen at Exit 9 after a new road is begun to Collegedale. Also, he said the odd Y intersection where Old Lee Highway meets Apison Pike will be reworked.
The area has 101 parcels, 54 households, 130 people and 232 acres.
Councilwoman Robinson said the section "is ground zero for the first wave of commercial development from Volkswagen."
She said some residents may have to move, but she said, "You can bet they are going to have plenty of money."
Councilwoman Berz said, "I think the projected revenues are going to be terrific and solid."
Chairman Benson called it "a texbtook case for what should be annexed."
Longtime resident Tamara Woodard against spoke against the annexation. She said, "The Trail of Tears brought progress, but was it morally right and legally correct?"
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