2026 5 11 Work Session Packet

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Redfern  Industrial Park 
 
• This needs to be re-zoned to Residential  
• Everyone loved this conversation-and ideas were flowing… make this a large complex with 
more mid-dollar level apartments to higher residential living.   
• The architecture could begin with smaller homes in the front of the complex, and then go 
into more expensive mid-range homes. 
• Surrounded by pool (1-2) walking trails/pathways.   
• This will pull the families that work in Chattanooga and Knoxville areas who would like 
to live in a smaller town atmosphere, great schools and do not mind a 45 min commute. 
 
Southeast Tennessee Trade & Conference Center   (Regional Park)  
 
First comments were, “ PLEASE  finish this project”. 
• Have a VISION!  With a timeline and stick to it. 
• Phase I was completed; the city needs to finish the next 2 phases so that we can “entertain” 
more opportunities for our city.  Car Shows, have a venue like Camp Jordan in East Ridge, 
TN.  That is a 34,000 multi-purpose climate-controlled sports complex. 
• The weekend before our meeting had a CASA event, and it was full! 
• Have areas for Food Trucks, for guests that may not be able to leave the area to enjoy other 
local. 
• Think of the Hotel/Motel tax we would receive with all the visitors. 
• Many of the committee members remember the loss of the Federal funding years ago. 
• Can the County help us, since this will help all of us? 
• Murfreesboro, TN --Star Plex has an event center-look at those ballfields. 
• Parking- please make sure that it is in the plans -with out Parking there is another issue. 
• Bathrooms- need plenty! 
 
Long term planning on this for Phase II and III.  
Check out the fastest growing sports in the US.  Trail Running is up 32%. 
 
                       Quick summary-   1. The city of Athens needs more housing—all price points!  
                                                                  2. Finish all phases of the Regional Park 
 
Submitted by: Patti Greek, Chair of the Advisory Committee 
2
Work Session 
May 11, 2026