Chattanooga’s Westside was built in 1940, making it the city’s oldest public housing neighborhood that is now home to over 2,000 residents.
Westside Community Evolves is a collaborative neighborhood planning initiative led by the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA), the Chattanooga Design Studio, the city, and Westside residents + stakeholders to revitalize the community. |
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Rep. Fleischmann announced federal funds will be appropriated to support the plan. | Photo by NOOGAtoday |
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Last winter, members of the project met with Rep. Chuck Fleischmann for consideration of funding. As of yesterday, an appropriation of $3 million from state funds will go towards kicking off the project — along with $2 million put forth from Hamilton County.
🏫 What projects will the funds go toward? The planning + renovation of the James A. Henry School + Sheila Jennings Park, two historical landmarks of the community, will include: -
100 Head Start seats for children ages 3-5 in the community (an increase from the previous 60 seats)
- Classrooms for training
- A health clinic
- Other social, recreational + educational opportunities
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The renovation of the James A. Henry School is the center of the plan. | Photo by NOOGAtoday |
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🏠 Next steps
The plan lays out an ambitious long-term road map that takes into consideration all underutilized properties within the community by connecting streets, expanding open spaces, and adding housing.
The Chattanooga City Council will soon be considering legislation to accept the Westside Community Evolves plan along with a request for $2 million in ARP funding and another $1 million from the city’s affordable housing funds.
These funds will go toward preserving all existing affordable housing units and expanding housing options, along with additional projects that will serve the community well into the future.
“Making these funds available will provide a foundation for the future of Chattanooga’s oldest public housing community. The programs and educational efforts they will be able to offer in the renovated school will provide a pathway to a sustainable future for many of the families living there.” — Rep. Fleischmann |
Share this story with fellow Chattanoogans who are excited about city-wide revitalization. |
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Today -
Green Drinks | Wed., Aug. 24 | 5-7 p.m. | Ruby Falls’ Castle Café | Price of purchase | Enjoy a drink with Green Spaces + discuss the area’s sustainable businesses — Ruby Falls admission is not necessary to attend.
Thursday - An Evening with Jasmine Marie | Thurs., Aug. 25 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Parkside Hall, 2035 Polk St. | Donation, RSVP | Join the founder of Black Girls Breathing + participate in a breathwork exercise. 🌬️
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The Chattanooga Author Showcase | Thurs., Aug. 25 | 6 p.m. | Stove Works, 1250 E. 13th St. | Free, RSVP | Celebrate the talent of nine local authors with readings, a Q+A, and opportunities to purchase their works. 📚
Friday - Space Late Skate | Fri., Aug. 26 | 7-11 p.m. | Chattanooga Skate Park | Free+ | Join Moonlight Roller for a space-themed night of roller skating, music, and games — rentals are available for purchase. 🛼
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“ANONYMOUS CLUB” | Fri., Aug. 26-Sat., Aug. 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave. | $10 | Watch a screening of the documentary “ANONYMOUS CLUB,” a peek inside the world of Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett. 🎬
Plan Ahead - Steve Martin & Martin Short | Sat., Oct. 15 | Memorial Auditorium | $65+ | See comedy legends Steve Martin + Martin Short during their “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” tour.
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We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends. |
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Weather - 89º | Partly cloudy | 20% chance of rain 🌤️
Civic -
It’s the final month of the NoogaKnox Challenge — a competition between cities to see which can get more residents to help prevent waterways pollution. Help Chattanooga win by getting your yard RainSmart Yard certified. Homeowners may also seek reimbursement for the installation of rain gardens and barrels.💧
Development -
A Nashville real estate firm recently purchased downtown’s 116-year-old Fleetwood Building for $15.75 million. The company said that there is room for improvement for both the commercial + residential tenants, but that plans are to keep the Fleetwood name on the structure. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Community -
This Friday, the Road to Nightfall winner Lilac Line + runner-up Cosmic Twelve will perform at Nightfall, along with a special Sanofi Careers Night presenting local job opportunities on site. This Friday’s free show will be the second to last in the series. 🎶
Biz -
The Company Lab announced that it will pay the $100 early bird application fee for five local startups to attend SXSW. If the local startup is selected to pitch, the Company Lab will also provide a $500 stipend to offset travel expenses to the Austin, TX event (heyyyy, ATXtoday). Learn more + apply.
Number -
Since launching in February, Erlanger’s Nurse-Family Partnership program has reached over 100 clients. The program has had 69 babies born (including two sets of twins), four high school moms that graduated from school, and 98% of clients with stable and safe housing. Learn more about the program.
Eat -
Eater Atlanta recently wrote up a 24-hour food tour guide all centered on the Scenic City. The tour includes popular spots like Velo Coffee, Main Street Meats, Rosecomb, and No Hard Feelings Bar. Check it out + let us know if you complete the food tour.
Pet -
Local Instagram pup @hankasaurus_tex is currently in the running to be voted America’s Favorite Pet. If you, like us, think this little guy deserves the win, you can vote for him here. 🏆
Arts
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Calling all graphic designers. Six & Main, NOOGAtoday’s online shop, is looking for freelancers to create local-inspired designs to showcase on exclusive products (think: t-shirts, mugs, tote bags + more). Plus, you’ll get paid. Interested? Send us a message.
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Thanks to funding from the Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee (AGC), a new construction career academy will provide programming and training to students + adults in Chattanooga’s Westside.
The high-level training offered through the academy will lead to lucrative careers for graduates right out of the program, many of which will be found within the community as a result of Westside Community Evolves construction projects.
The AGC funds will also provide transportation from East Ridge + The Howard School to the academy for students entering the program.
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