is the largest single project with 112 townhouses proposed for a 21-acre site known as the Old Horse Farm. Miller explains the timeline: “That’s in the site development phase right now and expects completion in a year.” The city has also rezoned property near Champy’s and Portofino’s for mixeduse development that will convert an existing hotel into studio apartments while adding retail space. Mayor Williams addresses affordability concerns through property tax policy. “We have a certified tax rate. So, if property tax value goes up, the tax rate is decreased to offset the increase of the property value.” Despite residential assessments rising close to 60 percent over four years, the tax rate dropped from 1.25 to 0.79 per $100 assessed value.“Your property tax doesn’t double or go up 60 percent,” Mayor Williams emphasizes, indicating how municipal policy can buffer residents from market pressures. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND FUTURE PLANNING East Ridge has transformed its approach to infrastructure maintenance from reactive repairs to systematic investment, establishing clear funding priorities that support residential neighborhoods and major economic development projects.The city’s infrastructure strategy addresses immediate needs while positioning for continued growth. Mayor Williams describes the residential focus: “We did not have a clearly defined resurfacing program for our residential neighborhoods and streets. So, we’ve been able to commit and started with a million plus probably about three or four years ago. snapdragonhemp.com 170 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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