Ellington

A group of East Brainerd residents is currently in the process of starting a new neighborhood association in the area that could potentially include properties along East Brainerd Road from near Kenmoor Drive to the Georgia state line.

Neighbors’ reasons for joining the new association range from wanting more crosswalks in the area to better protection of the greenway, according to interim association leader Art Rahn.

“The biggest reason for starting the association is because the leadership of the current neighborhood association are do-nothings,” he said. “There have been several recent decisions that have negatively impacted the quality of life for neighbors in the area.”

Many neighbors say they hope the new association will help prevent further commercial development of the area which they feel increases traffic and can have a negative effect on property values.

“I live on John Henry Road very close to East Brainerd Elementary and am against any kind of commercial property on that corner,” said association member Bob Edens. “There’s too much traffic at that intersection as it is.”

According to Chattanooga Neighborhood Action Council president Lana Sutton, being part of a neighborhood association is one of the main ways local residents can get their voices heard, particularly when it comes to new developments in the area or something like building more crosswalks on local streets.

“A lot of people don’t realize they’re currently a part of a neighborhood association and may be being claimed by that association,” said Sutton. “We plan on doing some canvassing for the new association to let people know if they’re in an association and invite them to join the new one.”

Just because residents aren’t paying dues or involved with a neighborhood association doesn’t mean they aren’t currently part of one, she added.

To find out more about Chattanooga neighborhood associations, visit www.chattanooga.gov/neighborhood-services.

For more information about the new association or to join, contact givemesanctuary@yahoo.com.