campus of the town center encompasses a former school building totaling 54,000 sq. ft. The City is exploring the reuse of the building with half of it being dedicated to police operations and the other half to fine arts, theatre, and business incubators. COMMERCIAL EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES East Ridge actively pursues commercial development to attract investments and enhance economic growth. The city’s strategic location and available land make it an attractive prospect for developers and businesses looking to establish a foothold in the region. City Manager Miller outlines some critical areas poised for development. “About an eighth of a mile west of the town center, we have 13 acres across the street from a newly constructed Food City supermarket,” he says. This tract of land is currently being developed by Urban Story Ventures, a firm known for successful projects in and around Chattanooga. “We are working with them to bring in commercial businesses, including retail and possibly restaurants,” he adds. The master plan for this 13-acre site involves tearing down some existing buildings and renovating others, aiming to create a cohesive commercial hub. Further plans are also in motion for the area around Exit 1, a critical interchange that has already seen significant development with the presence of Bass Pro Shops and other businesses. “The developer is close to acquiring about four and a half to five acres of excess area around the interchange from the state,” Miller notes. This acquisition will open up more opportunities for retail, commercial, and restaurant establishments. BOLSTERING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR FUTURE GROWTH Ensuring robust infrastructure is crucial to supporting East Ridge’s ambitious development projects. The city is focused on enhancing its foundational systems to accommodate new commercial ventures and residential expansions. City Manager Miller highlights the city’s collaboration with the Hamilton EAST RIDGE, TN
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