The debate over a proposed gondola connecting the Chattanooga Valley to Rock City returned to the community Monday, as residents living near the proposed project had an opportunity to speak directly with Rock City representatives.
Rock City held its first public listening session as the attraction continues a broader public outreach effort surrounding the controversial proposal. The session followed an open house held last month.
Several Lookout Mountain-area residents voiced continued opposition, citing concerns about traffic, tourism and the potential impact on nearby neighborhoods.
Lookout Mountain resident Kenneth Haley said he and other residents remain opposed to the project.
“We’re opposed to this project. We have been all along,” Haley said.
Rock City COO Greg Scheid said the company has heard what he described as misconceptions about the proposal, including concerns that the project would transform Rock City into a theme park with additional rides and attractions.
“That’s not what Rock City’s been for 94 years,” Scheid said.
Residents also questioned how increased tourism could affect neighborhoods surrounding the attraction.
Charlie Schelberg, who lives on Lookout Mountain, said he is concerned visitors arriving by gondola could leave the attraction and walk into nearby residential areas.
“If all those people are on foot, it’s going to be very disruptive to our neighborhood,” Schelberg said.
Scheid said Rock City is developing protocols intended to keep visitors directed toward the attraction rather than surrounding neighborhoods.
“We’re trying to have our guests come up and not go anywhere else, but straight into the gardens,” he said.
Traffic remains another major concern.
Haley Shealy, who operates a kennel in St. Elmo and lives in Flintstone near the proposed gondola’s lower terminal and parking area, said she is concerned increased traffic could affect both her commute and her business.
“I think the traffic is definitely going to deter people from coming,” Shealy said.
Rock City has maintained that the gondola could provide an alternative means of transportation to the attraction and potentially reduce some vehicle traffic on Lookout Mountain. The company has also released a traffic assessment, provided safety information about gondola systems and outlined plans for an environmental review.
Despite continued concerns from residents, Scheid said Rock City does not currently plan to change its proposal.
“We’ve really not stepped outside of what our plot density allows,” Scheid said. “We have no intentions to going anywhere.”
The proposal has faced setbacks during months of debate. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission previously rejected a zoning change associated with the gondola.
Rock City, however, has indicated it intends to continue pursuing the project while gathering additional public input and addressing concerns raised by residents.