$500K grant for Chattown skate park, single-stair buildings

See the July 15 City Council minutes here

Zoning incentives

Mayor Kelly’s received approval to apply for a $500,000 state brownfield redevelopment grant to help fund the Chattown skate park remodel. The project currently has a budget of $3.1 million in city dollars.

In May, Parks & Outdoors spokesman Brian Smith said bids for the renovation contract came in far over budget, prompting the search for more funds. If the city receives the grant, renovation would last through next summer with the new combined skate park and dog park park opening in September 2026, per the grant application.

Single-stair buildings

Council approved an ordinance amending the city’s building code to allow residential buildings of up to five stories to have one stairway exit. A 2024 state law permitted local governments to make the change.

Councilwoman Jenny Hill, District 2, told Council on June 17 the single-stair model creates more density by maximizing space for living units. The ordinance also requires fire safety measures, such as a maximum distance between units and the stairway and an automatic sprinkler system.

Surplus land sale

Council accepting $67,000 in profit from the joint city-Hamilton County surplus land sale and transferring the funds to the city’s land bank authority. The sale included 17 parcels across Chattanooga.

Attend next week’s meeting

When: Tuesday, July 22 at 3:30 p.m.

Where: City Council Building, 1000 Lindsay Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Or: Watch the meeting live on YouTube @chattanoogacitycouncil8743

Chattanooga City Council is open to the public.

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Contact William at william@chattamatters.com