The Regional Planning Agency (RPA) has been convening partners since early November 2024 to coordinate on and more fully develop the four Critical Community Improvements (CCIs):
1. Head Start: Improving Access to Early Learning – Led by Department of Early Learning
2. One Westside Creative Cultural Innovation Incubator – Led by Department of Economic Development
3. Recreation and Placemaking in Green Spaces – Led by Department of Parks and Outdoors
4. Public Art: Enhancing Public Spaces – Led by Department of Parks and Outdoors; Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy
After a series of meetings with the Chattanooga Housing Authority, the RPA and the City of Chattanooga departments mentioned above, the Neighborhood Plan has been substantially drafted. The RPA and its partners met its target of January 17, 2025 for an initial draft plan document for internal team review.
A Request for Qualifications has been drafted for the Reconnecting Communities Grant to study the connectivity of Grove Street and 12th Street in the Westside. It is planned to be advertised in Q1 2025.
The renovation of the James A. Henry building is well underway, with drywall installation, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC ductwork and systems, door frame installation, concrete footing and foundation wall pouring, steel setting for the new 4,500-square-foot addition, site utility installation, and new roofing installation currently in progress. Construction is approximately 25% complete to date.
