On September 23, 2021, the Board of Directors approved making a position statement in support of infrastructure improvements at the intersection of SR 320/East Brainerd Road & SR 321/Ooltewah Ringgold Road as outlined below.
September 23, 2021
Governor Bill Lee
State of Tennessee
1st Floor, State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243
Governor Lee,
On behalf of Greater Chattanooga REALTORS®, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for not only your hard work on behalf of the State of Tennessee but specifically the citizens of Hamilton County, of which approximately 1,700 of our 2,500 members reside.
Our members are dedicated to the real estate industry and the communities in which we live and work. Our mission is to “promote the highest ethical and professional standards and cooperation among its members; provide products, programs, and services to meet the evolving needs of the real estate industry and consumers; and advocate for private property rights and community involvement.”
As you know, Hamilton County has grown considerably over the years, which has brought numerous positives to our community, including jobs and tax dollars. However, with growth comes growing pains, and this is where we would like to ask for your help.
District 7, which contains the East Brainerd and Apison area, has grown exponentially over the past 10 years and is one of the most sought-after areas to reside in Hamilton County. The intersection at Tennessee State Route 320 (East Brainerd Road) and Tennessee State Route 321 (Ooltewah Ringgold Road) is in dire need of improvement to accommodate both the increased traffic volume from residents and businesses moving to the area and the four schools that service the area. In addition, we believe that these improvements will help ease the minds of the community and enable them to embrace continued growth, which has been impeded recently due to their concerns surrounding this intersection.
Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® supports the efforts of Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, County Commissioner Sabrena Smedley, and the citizens of District 7 to make improvements to this intersection. We would appreciate your assistance in encouraging the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to reevaluate its timeline for making these improvements. If TDOT continues to follow its current timeline, growth in this area will come to a standstill, which would be detrimental for Hamilton County. We are asking that you help us ensure that growth will continue in our community for years to come.
Again, thank you for your continued hard work and your assistance with this issue. If there is anything we can do to assist you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Robert Backer
President