A public hearing that could determine the future of Chickamauga Mayor Trey Deck is set for tonight. The Chickamauga City Council will hold the hearing at six o’clock this evening at the Chickamauga Civic Center. The meeting was rescheduled after the original hearing, set for January 30th, had to be postponed. Dozens of residents showed up at City Hall, but the meeting room only met fire code for 66 people, forcing officials to turn many away. City leaders say the hearing is part of a formal process to review concerns raised about the mayor. However, no specific details have been released. In a statement, the City Council said it understands residents want more information, but because the matter is a formal proceeding, details cannot be shared until the hearing. Officials say the larger venue will allow more people to attend, with overflow seating available outside and a live broadcast provided for those who can’t get inside.
New home construction slowed last year in unincorporated Walker County, but twenty-twenty-five still ranked as the county’s third strongest year on record. The Walker County Planning Office issued two-hundred-forty-four permits for new single-family homes. That’s down eleven percent from the year before. County planners say rising construction costs and market uncertainty slowed building late in the year. Most new homes were built near Rossville, Rock Spring, and LaFayette. Even with fewer permits, higher prices pushed the total value of new homes past eighty-seven million dollars.
A proposed development in Walker County is raising concerns in the Naomi community. Property owners want to sell land at the intersection of Highways one-thirty-six and one-fifty-one. A developer plans to build a gas station there. Naomi Baptist Church and Naomi Elementary School oppose the project. They cite traffic concerns and safety issues at the busy intersection. They also worry about alcohol sales near a school. Supporters say similar gas stations already operate near schools in other parts of the county.
They point to state rules that regulate alcohol sales. The developer has also proposed a wide buffer between the station and the school. The issue has been deferred for up to sixty days. It’s expected to return to the Walker County Commission in March or April. The Planning Commission has already recommended the project be denied.
They point to state rules that regulate alcohol sales. The developer has also proposed a wide buffer between the station and the school. The issue has been deferred for up to sixty days. It’s expected to return to the Walker County Commission in March or April. The Planning Commission has already recommended the project be denied.
The LaFayette City Council meets tonight. The regular monthly meeting is set for six-thirty at City Hall. The agenda includes approval of minutes from January meetings. There will also be time for visitors to address the council. No items are listed under old business. Under new business, council members are expected to discuss community events. They’ll also talk about greenway sidewalks, meter repairs, paving projects, and a farmers market agreement. The agenda includes comments from city staff and the mayor. The council may later enter executive session. Any official action would be taken in open session. The meeting is open to the public.