Rock City Enterprises is responding to community concerns surrounding its proposed gondola project on Lookout Mountain, addressing questions ranging from traffic and noise to safety and environmental impacts.
Company leaders have discussed the proposal during recent community meetings, and Rock City said in a news release that it has received more than 50 written questions from residents. Those questions were sorted into several categories, with the company identifying what it says are the 10 most common concerns.
One concern raised by residents is whether the current zoning amendment request could be a step toward approval of a larger, undisclosed project. Rock City says that is not the case, stating that its plan is to add an aerial passenger conveyance system and that there is no larger project behind the request.
Traffic has also been a major topic. Some residents have questioned whether the gondola would actually reduce traffic on Lookout Mountain and whether a traffic study was biased toward Rock City’s preferred outcome.
Rock City says the study was conducted by a state-licensed traffic engineer who is legally required to follow industry standards. According to the company, the proposal is intended to divert traffic from Ochs Highway by routing visitors to the base of the mountain.
The company also addressed concerns that the gondola itself could attract more tourists and ultimately increase traffic. Rock City says it is already planning for future growth by addressing parking and traffic issues and developing a new trail system. Company officials describe the gondola as part of the solution to increasing tourist traffic rather than a cause of the problem.
Another concern centers on whether Rock City has provided enough information for city officials to consider the requested amendment. The company says it is not required to submit traffic, geologic, environmental or sewer-impact studies before the city considers the amendment. However, Rock City says it has released reports and other information ahead of time for public review.
Questions have also been raised about whether the Walker County rezoning request should undergo a Development of Regional Impact review by the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission.
“While a DRI review may be required in the future, it isn’t required at this time,” Rock City said.
Noise is another issue raised by residents. Rock City has provided information about decibel levels associated with similar gondola systems but says it has asked engineers to develop information specific to the proposed Lookout Mountain site. The company says those findings will be shared when the work is complete.
On safety, Rock City pointed to gondola manufacturer Doppelmayr’s experience in the industry.
“Doppelmayr has installed more than 15,000 systems across 97 countries and maintains one of the strongest safety records in the transportation industry,” Rock City said.
The company also says the gondola could provide another way to access the mountain when roadway travel is affected by crashes, snow or other conditions.
Potential impacts to Lookout Mountain’s tree canopy and environment have also drawn questions. Rock City says the gondola would be designed to travel above the tree canopy and that the company does not plan to clear-cut a path beneath the cable lines.
Rock City also argues the gondola itself would produce minimal emissions.
“Gondola cabins have no exhaust, no fuel combustion and leave nothing on the surfaces below,” the company said.
Rock City says it has asked a local environmental consulting firm to review the plans and provide guidance regarding possible impacts on wildlife.
The final issue among the company’s top 10 concerns involves lighting. Rock City says the proposed system would not require FAA lighting because its poles would not exceed 200 feet in height.
According to the company, interior lights inside the gondola cabins would be positioned below the seats to illuminate the floor and would automatically turn off when the cabin door closes.
Rock City says it will continue providing information about the proposal as additional studies and engineering work are completed.