Members of the Hamilton County Commission last week approved a commercial development that will be located at the corner of East Brainerd and Ooltewah-Ringgold Road. The project, called The Enclave at East Hamilton, is being developed by the ANT Group, which is headed by developer Bassam Issa.
The project began as a mixed-use development with 250 luxury apartments located at the rear of the site. Ten members of the East Brainerd community were selected to serve as committee members to work with the developer. County Trustee Bill Hullander, who is also a resident of the area, convened the group. Those serving on the committee included Sandra Adair, John Awad, Linda Benson, Bobby Cronan, Shaleigh Cronan, Scottie Neil, Bill Reesor, Chalie Rollins, Mark Smedley, and Mark West, who served as the group’s chairman. Commissioner Sabrena Smedley served as ex-officio of the group.
After a series of 16 community meetings, the parties adopted a plan that limits total square footage, construction by phases, and the types of materials that are to be used in the construction of the buildings. In addition, it noted the special places and branding signage to be constructed to welcome visitors not only to the site but to the surrounding neighborhoods. Preservation of area woodlands and protection of the neighborhood from light and noise pollution were also made part of the plan.
The plan received approval from the Regional Planning Commission in October. At last week’s Zoning Committee Meeting, members of the community committee and developer agreed to enter into an agreement for conditions for the project. The agreement underscores the requirements the parties agreed to as part of the project’s submission to the Regional Planning Commission.
Some of the additions were unenforceable by local government, but deemed important, so the developer and the community adopted the agreement.
Issa said, “As someone who lives within two blocks of the proposed site, I appreciate the attention to detail given by the committee for The Enclave. It makes the project better as I market it to potential tenants, but more importantly, it makes it a better fit for the neighborhood. After going through the process, I have an even greater appreciation for the project’s architects, Neuhoff-Taylor. Pat Neuhoff attended each community meeting and made changes that enhanced the entire project.”
West said, “The Enclave at East Hamilton began as a controversial project that had little support from the neighbors. Thanks to Sam’s willingness to work with all of us, we now have a project that promises to become a high quality retail destination and something that should enhance our community in the years to come.”
Smedley began working on the project before being elected to office this summer. According to the Commissioner, developers should follow the process applied to The Enclave. “Having consistent communication and meetings with the community to work through the details takes time, but the result is well worth the investment of time. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in the project and look forward to seeing The Enclave at East Hamilton take shape.”
Source: ANT Group