[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6697082,"mediaKeyId","3464726-e6af30a47f904ef9d888faff25676d60","parentId",3464726,"title","Developer presents plan to convert Ringgold Road motel to 80 apartments and retail; council approves first reading","audioSeconds",2939,"startMs",3184000,"endMs",6123000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464726-e6af30a47f904ef9d888faff25676d60&start=3184&end=6123","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464726-e6af30a47f904ef9d888faff25676d60/thumbnail_3184000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6697082/East-Ridge/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Developer-presents-plan-to-convert-Ringgold-Road-motel-to-80-apartments-and-retail-council-approves-first-reading","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697082-ab8922a6452d128cff1b7bfec85652fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450909&Signature=TJ1px7dOf6lHpD1Ky8C572WMFtFeTFnZ4SSJOL-nP84iOcMbkMCT2MkhAR-CMIJlE9bMQ8694csbM-QUbNIb9XnV5He~x0qPMqVsbk3qSYIuUeNnrVbOo5Jmxfa2dpYiX~xmhoBez2LV9W67L-CzOHwsLBtFgFM8G4Rf-HIzhXU5oO1Jkrf4WwnbOxkDkg8srm4fhTousDlgF0EVyrarIIpQR0X9wUDwU8-9-4QNZEPNbsnTf~nncg5MFGQKABf2NGeAugfc2q5Ht334Q14Y-G~aXNSkPlEst44l22g7D9VwdAL0w8us9llgGTwzaLZFFLY-iV6WQrn-zSEs~M7x7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","East Ridge","date","2025-05-23T00:00:00Z","article","Developer Justin Cox presented a redevelopment plan for 6510 Ringgold Road during the May 20 East Ridge council meeting, asking the council to rezone the motel property from C‑1 (Tourist Commercial) to C‑4 (Planned Commerce Center) to permit a mixed‑use redevelopment: retail along Ringgold Road with the rear buildings converted to roughly 80 apartment units.

Project description and developer pitch

Cox described a multi‑year effort to redevelop the site and said the developer group has invested substantially in the property. The plan presented would demolish the front motel building facing Ringo/Ringgold Road to make room for a ~10,000‑square‑foot retail strip with five commercial suites, while converting the two rear motel buildings into approximately 80 rental units consisting of studios and one‑bedroom apartments. Cox said proposed rents would target affordable levels (presented range $9.50–$12.50 per square foot equivalent in presentation) and that utilities would be included in some units. He said an LOI from a national retail tenant was in hand for the front parcel.

Planning context and conditions

Planning staff recommended approval with conditions outlined in the council packet. During the council’s tentative agenda discussion and at the hearing, Councilmember Ezell asked that condition 18 be amended to require six‑month minimum leases; council agreed and the revised condition was noted for the record. Councilmembers also discussed phasing for demolition and renovation: one building could remain in motel use while the other is renovated, and staff summarized an 18‑month completion expectation tied to the project timeline. Councilmembers raised ADA parking questions and asked staff to ensure plans meet applicable accessibility requirements.

Financial and grant context

Cox and staff noted this redevelopment is intended to leverage Border Region funding; staff said that Border Region grant conditions require the commercial component to be complete and operating by June 30, 2027, to qualify. Cox said conversion would add housing supply and create tax revenue.

Council action

On first reading the council voted to approve Ordinance 12‑21 (rezoning to C‑4) with the amended six‑month lease condition. The motion was made by Councilmember Ezell and seconded by Councilmember Witt and passed on roll call.

Next steps

The ordinance will return for a second reading; staff will ensure final site and building plans address the ADA parking count and phasing conditions and will track compliance with the Border Region grant timeline and the added lease‑term condition.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 5/23/25","oneSentenceSummary","Developer Justin Cox presented a plan to convert the motel at 6510 Ringgold Road into an ~80‑unit apartment community with retail; council approved the rezoning on first reading with conditions.","taxTitle","East Ridge, Hamilton County, Tennessee","taxId",70972,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6697092,"Votes at a glance: East Ridge council approves zoning, facility and insurance measures; denies short‑term rental rezoning",7176,960,7177929,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464726-e6af30a47f904ef9d888faff25676d60&start=0&end=7177","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464726-e6af30a47f904ef9d888faff25676d60/thumbnail_960.jpg","/articles/6697092/East-Ridge/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-East-Ridge-council-approves-zoning-facility-and-insurance-measures-denies-shortterm-rental-rezoning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697092-0490389de97db57866276cb3337ad3cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450909&Signature=HBGhjG8RiQdXL~AbSMMOEUFyGicl2f58YsnhRnPvwJgnMx3fZ1JXpjmORZDCXZ9zxCNyYWd0bqeRLMySeFZrZB2hAj3Ni7cepjNFryHHk3C6R9tEVC976ezqJzF0ylLcVdjMcexzy~eXRjeLzWZ~NBqBOD2sESTFfY5RAFyBtCB~~yDb02CIXtV4sjUX9bVE4VDRCw9AVBLkCerYYMPgozjxPSZrtg29iabquFRpNjnx2bjAk~132RxcIHQdsPfpvRa7HsbPsPU0H2ZXarKNA63K3JIfmyOAb7D2dj2dLiN~RJOBFNT5nHBthHGy2MMatRmaT0gx3uZz~omUBleESg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Ridge City Council on May 20 handled a slate of zoning, facility and procurement items and several policy votes. Highlights: the council denied a rezoning request for 1512 John Ross Road that property owner Richard Altman said he intended to use for short‑term rentals; it approved first readings for two Gateway-area rezonings and for converting a Ringgold Road motel site into mixed‑use with retail and apartments; and it approved several resolutions including a sign variance, facility waivers for the East Ridge Optimist Club, purchase of kitchen equipment for Venue 1921, a monument sign design, and three insurance contracts.

Key outcomes

- Ordinance 12‑20 (rezoning request for 1512 John Ross Road to R‑2 duplex to allow short‑term vacation rental): Motion to deny passed (unanimous). The applicant, Richard Altman, sought rezoning to permit short‑term rentals; neighbors opposed the change and raised concerns about traffic, property values and neighborhood character.

- Ordinance 12‑17 (amend Zoning Board appointment language; second reading): Approved (roll call: Vice Mayor Tyler yes; Councilmember Cagle no; Councilmember Ezell no; Councilmember Witt yes; Mayor Williams yes).

- Ordinance 12‑18 (amend Housing Commission appointment language; second reading): Approved (same roll‑call pattern as 12‑17).

- Ordinance 12‑22 (rezoning tax map 169E‑D‑008, ~10.1 acres, C‑4 to RZ‑1 Lot Line Residential — “Magnolia Grove”): Passed first reading; planning staff and the applicant described the development as a down‑zoning to single‑family, zero‑lot‑line homes.

- Ordinance 12‑23 (rezoning 6419 McCall Road from R‑2 to C‑4 to integrate into Gateway development): Passed first reading.

- Ordinance 12‑21 (rezoning 6510 Ringgold Road — motel to C‑4 to allow 80 apartments + ~10,000 sq ft retail): Passed first reading. The developer presented plans for an 80‑unit apartment conversion with retail along Ringgold Road; council required a six‑month minimum lease condition in the rezoning conditions and noted a Border Region grant deadline of June 30, 2027.

- Resolution 36‑85 (sign variance for 3611 Ringgold Road / AK Roofing & More — allow two building‑mounted LED message centers): Approved (split vote). Staff raised concerns about light spill and precedent; the applicant cited limited space for a monument sign and offered to post city notices at no charge.

- Resolution 36‑86 and 36‑87 (facility waivers for East Ridge Optimist Club to use Deckard Pond, Camp Jordan and Community Center / City Hall parking lot and fee waivers): Approved. Vice Mayor Tyler abstained on the pond waiver due to his role with the committee.

- Resolution 36‑88 (purchase kitchen equipment for Venue 1921): Approved ($42,507.83 from a state contract vendor).

- Resolution 36‑89 (monument sign/logo option for Venue 1921): Option A approved.

- Resolutions 36‑90, 36‑91, 36‑92 (property/liability, workers’ compensation and cyber insurance purchases): Approved (carriers Public Entity Partners, Key Risk and Coalition Insurance Solutions respectively; staff noted competitive solicitations and corrected a typographical price error for workers’ compensation before the vote).

Procedural notes

Most zoning actions that required public hearings were opened and heard at the meeting; in several rezoning items applicants and members of nearby neighborhoods spoke at length. Several items on tonight’s agenda (12‑22, 12‑23, 12‑21) passed on first reading and will return for second reading per council procedure. The session also included consent items (minutes approval) and the council’s routine roll calls and announcements.

Votes and formal actions are recorded in council minutes and reflected in the city’s ordinance and resolution numbering cited above.","At its May 20 meeting the East Ridge City Council approved multiple zoning map changes on first and second readings, several facility and equipment purchases, and several insurance contracts; the council unanimously denied a rezoning request to allow short‑term rentals at 1512 John Ross Road.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6697078,"City proposes $2 increase in sanitation fee to cover higher disposal and equipment costs; council asks for resident notification plan",277,6846000,7123000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464726-e6af30a47f904ef9d888faff25676d60&start=6846&end=7123","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464726-e6af30a47f904ef9d888faff25676d60/thumbnail_6846000.jpg","/articles/6697078/East-Ridge/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/City-proposes-2-increase-in-sanitation-fee-to-cover-higher-disposal-and-equipment-costs-council-asks-for-resident-notification-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697078-cb4ba81cc6b2f00c2688d7c24c87e321/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450909&Signature=HA-puzdY2Wxbh4HmU5wNYbvShcPPFDYtUW3xFZNgum6blHyMIdPxUbVfVFSQN-837DAYW5xumk1s9yeIfixOFsmh0W4XNmD~W3jYjwmqW8HIQ2mari62ah8J8qubXglMG18Z6y4w7Vb5WD6UlTETugid-ztlYrXS-yvaRtsC6XwIFX2btiJAroozVG5TOAp3NbXrvWSXo77bKLn1cptOkH5Pu-2lDs4ZfacuLx-Q5cMP7cWh7redi8kPlm-PoJKXhvL6ZmMoe40x8tKPiJIK7VgXqaf038zE-y6pItG7Y5Mcw8gWSVLh~J5rhzcv4XF05QolXNydSCk14iAnns9zsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 20 meeting City Manager Miller briefed the council on a proposed increase to the city sanitation service fee: an increase of $2 per trash can per month (equivalent to $24 per year) to address rising disposal costs and equipment needs.

Why the increase is proposed

Miller explained the county transfer station fee rose from $33 to $43.75 per ton, and the city’s illustrative monthly disposal volume (800 tons) yields roughly a $100,000 annual increase in disposal cost. Miller also said the sanitation fund needs replacement equipment, including a rear‑end loader estimated at roughly $230,000, and noted the sanitation fee had not been increased since approximately 2003.

Council discussion and communication

Councilmembers asked staff how residents would be notified. A councilmember suggested mailing notices; staff noted a full direct mail to every household could be costly (an historical mailing was cited as costing about $56,000) and suggested using the city website and social media and a press release as lower‑cost options. Council directed staff to return to the next meeting with cost estimates and communication alternatives for notifying residents.

Next steps

The fee change appears as Ordinance 12‑27 (first reading) on the tentative agenda; staff will provide cost estimates for direct mail and other outreach methods and will include the sanitation fee proposal in the formal budget/fee ordinance process. Any final change to assessments will be adopted via ordinance consistent with municipal procedures.","City Manager Miller presented a proposal to raise residential sanitation fees by $2 per can ($24 per year) to offset a county transfer station price increase and to fund equipment replacement; council members asked staff to prepare communication options to notify residents ahead of the change.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6697087,"Council denies rezoning at 1512 John Ross Road after neighbors urge preservation of single‑family character",778,1915000,2693000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464726-e6af30a47f904ef9d888faff25676d60&start=1915&end=2693","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464726-e6af30a47f904ef9d888faff25676d60/thumbnail_1915000.jpg","/articles/6697087/East-Ridge/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Council-denies-rezoning-at-1512-John-Ross-Road-after-neighbors-urge-preservation-of-singlefamily-character","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697087-2d164c6f49df55ba2ad6f86aefac5ab4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450909&Signature=gQExSZbzdnv0C9Et5ecAiSZRC7OXHTYv1QJ3fuk3XZR8o9byBrVCvgvZqxrY8d0YDi0kq5anVX79aRMcp7oFnb4CTWF2Gr6UJfjNAILiCw5IbY0KM1cimIgWHqxGBLObsTZdXdXRYMDahyKRBnVygH9aWRTkIkttoaySBKMuF48dADze7JPU~ZtLTmj8SsQqQRPfZBoiL3zWo1-z2SuBCv6sLItSZUAbZ-TVZq6Ug2OO7pySmbUW~0i2M35FW-D-UOpeX9RP3igR5ERt9w0QLVKtB4VzPu3Kz~uADmcYB37YDtveZVIhU7mFZGts6Gob8HcGZj~ZVQpWlvY15ntSAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Ridge City Council on May 20 denied a rezoning application for 1512 John Ross Road that the property owner said he wanted to rent as a short‑term vacation rental. The motion to deny passed unanimously after a public hearing in which multiple neighbors from Glen Oaks and surrounding streets urged the council to preserve the neighborhood’s single‑family character.

Why the council denied the rezoning

Owner Richard Altman told the council he intended to use the house as an Airbnb while he travels and that he had hired a property manager to supervise the property in his absence. Altman said he had no intention of converting the structure into a duplex and that he had rebuilt the house after a previous fire. Despite those assurances, neighbors said they feared the R‑2 designation would pave the way for investor purchases, increased rentals and eventual duplex conversions.

Neighbors’ concerns

Residents who spoke during the public hearing described Glen Oaks as an established, owner‑occupied neighborhood with children and neighborhood events. Laurie Bridal (listed in the record as a Glen Oaks resident) said the area was a “gem” and that residents did not want year‑round or day‑to‑day rentals that would bring frequent turnover and transient occupants. Douglas McVay, a longtime resident, said he worried a proliferation of rentals would lower nearby property values and reduce tax revenue.

Applicant’s case and staff context

Altman said he wanted flexibility to rent the home on short‑term platforms only when he traveled and that he planned to remain the owner and maintain the property’s upkeep. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended denial at the commission level, citing neighborhood character, parking and the risk of “spot zoning” that could set a precedent for similar requests.

Council action

After public comment, Vice Mayor Tyler moved to deny Ordinance 12‑20; the motion was seconded and carried in a unanimous roll call vote (Tyler, Cagle, Ezell, Witt and Mayor Williams all voting yes). The denial leaves the property zoned R‑1 (single‑family residential) with no change to the zoning map.

What the decision means

The denial preserves the current single‑family zoning and prevents the short‑term rental use that the applicant sought via rezoning. The decision also underscores neighborhood influence in rezonings that residents view as likely to change long‑term character or allow investor conversions.

Next steps

No further action on this application will proceed unless the owner files a new application or appeals the decision per local code. Planning staff will retain the application record for reference.","The East Ridge City Council voted unanimously May 20 to deny a request to rezone 1512 John Ross Road from R‑1 to R‑2 (duplex) to allow short‑term vacation rentals; neighbors cited traffic, safety and property‑value concerns during a public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developer presents plan to convert Ringgold Road motel to 80 apartments and retail; council approves first reading

Votes at a glance: East Ridge council approves zoning, facility and insurance measures; denies short‑term rental rezoning

City proposes $2 increase in sanitation fee to cover higher disposal and equipment costs; council asks for resident notification plan

Council denies rezoning at 1512 John Ross Road after neighbors urge preservation of single‑family character