At Community Choices Workshops held this March at local YFD centers, students from Orchard Knob Elementary and Hardy Elementary shared their ideas for Area 3. A "Build-a-Block" exercise explored the potential for six focus areas identified by the community at the January 26th public meeting. Top issues identified by the students were safe streets and pedestrian ways with crosswalks and more sidewalks. They also envisioned park enhancements, such as water features and trees. The Area 3 Workshops and a complimentary survey cover the following topics:
- Commercial Centers
- Housing Options
- New Development & Jobs
- Parks, Greenways & Open Space
- Transportation
Workshop participants also asked questions about the basic area plan process and the RPA staff responded by noting some key points:
“Why is Public Input Important?
- Identifies the preferences of the people who live and work in Area 3.
- Establishes goals and a shared vision for the community.
- Fosters community "ownership" of the Area Plan once it is adopted.
“What does an Area Plan do?”
- Identifies natural resources and places with unique community character that should be preserved.
- Lays out a vision for new commercial centers, housing, major employers, transportation, parks and greenways;
- Influences City investments in public infrastructure.
- Informs City decisions about rezoning.
The RPA staff said, “We need to get as many people participating as we can. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to take the Survey if you live, work or have a business in this area." (See the Area 3 boundary map at chcrpa.org) "You may pick up a paper copy at your local Area 3 YFD Recreation Center or take the Survey on-line at the RPA website - chcrpa.org. Remember you don't need to be an expert and if you only have time to answer questions for one or two survey components, that is still helpful. If you complete all five survey components, you'll be registered to win a $75 Amazon gift card or a 30-day CARTA bus pass." (Drawing to be held in April per contest rules posted on-line.) In the survey, each topic is prefaced with a background summary on urban design, placemaking and key community elements that participants may find useful.
As of March 22, a total of 483 surveys had been completed. The Community Choices Survey is open until March 31. The staff reminds participants who take the paper version, they must return the completed survey to one of the YFD Recreation Centers in Area 3 or mail it to the Regional Planning Agency, 1250 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402, by March 31. Spanish language versions are also available on-line or by contacting the RPA office. Contact the RPA for more information at 423-643-5901 or email pglaser@chattanooga.gov