A proposed gondola project at Rock City prompted a lively discussion Tuesday evening during a meeting of the Lookout Mountain Planning Commission.
Rock City must receive approval from the Lookout Mountain City Council before the project can move forward. The proposal has already been approved by the Walker County Board of Commissioners.
Rock City officials say the gondola is intended to transport visitors from a base parking area to the attraction at the top of the mountain. The goal is to reduce vehicle traffic and congestion in the mountaintop community by limiting the number of cars traveling up the mountain.
Despite those intentions, several residents voiced concerns during the meeting. Issues raised included the potential for increased visitation, the visual impact of the gondola on the mountain’s natural scenery, and questions about safety.
Some residents also expressed concern that the gondola could alter the character of the community and affect views along Ochs Highway, particularly near the waterfall at Rock City.
The Lookout Mountain Planning Commission is expected to decide at its next meeting whether to recommend approval of the project. The final decision will then rest with the Lookout Mountain City Council.