As the City of Lookout Mountain prepares to vote on Rock City’s proposed gondola project, the company is responding to concerns raised by opponents regarding traffic, finances, governance, and environmental and safety issues.
In a statement released ahead of the anticipated vote, Rock City addressed several objections raised by an opposition group, while noting that some of the concerns fall outside the city’s authority in the zoning process.
Rock City defended its traffic study, saying proposed improvements, including turn lanes and other roadway modifications, could address concerns along St. Elmo Avenue. The company also said shifting traffic onto Georgia Highway 2 and Highway 193 would make use of roads that have additional capacity.
According to Rock City, even on the busiest days, if all 3,000 anticipated trips occurred within a four-hour period, the project would add an average of about six vehicles per minute to area roads. The company also said the proposed gondola would be an all-electric system capable of operating on renewable energy and could help reduce vehicle traffic and wear on Ochs Highway.
Rock City also responded to criticism over what opponents have described as a “municipal tax loophole.” The company said the City of Lookout Mountain would continue receiving its proportional share of sales tax revenue generated in Walker County and could also benefit from increased property tax revenue resulting from improvements associated with the project.
Questions surrounding Rock City’s ownership and corporate structure were also addressed. The company said it remains a privately held, fourth-generation family business led by owner, Board Chairman and CEO Doug Chapin, who is the sole shareholder. Rock City said requests for additional details about capitalization or board membership go beyond what is typically required of a zoning applicant.
On environmental and safety concerns, Rock City said additional work would continue if the zoning amendment receives approval. The company said the gondola manufacturer has built systems designed to operate in a variety of challenging environments, ranging from the Alps to tropical rainforests.
Rock City also addressed concerns about noise, saying the gondola would operate within the city’s noise ordinance. The company said gondola cabins passing support poles produce sound levels of approximately 65 decibels, which it compared to background music.
All current plans for the proposed gondola remain pending as the project awaits a decision from the City of Lookout Mountain.