Officials with Rock City appeared before Walker County commissioners Thursday seeking rezoning approval for a new gondola ride on Lookout Mountain.
Rock City representatives say the gondola would transport visitors from the base of the mountain to the top, easing congestion on the winding mountain roads while improving safety and accessibility.
The proposal faced opposition from several residents of the St. Elmo area, who expressed concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety, and the impact on their neighborhood. A community survey indicated that roughly half of respondents were opposed to the project.
Rock City officials countered those concerns, citing a traffic study by a national engineering firm that found the gondola would reduce vehicle traffic rather than increase it.
Despite the debate, county commissioners voted to allow the project to move forward, placing conditions to limit commercial development near residential areas. Additional reviews with local municipalities are still required before construction can begin.
If all approvals are granted, Rock City officials say construction could start as early as January 2027, with completion expected within two years.