Protect South Pittsburg Mountain

TO: The Mayor, Board of Commissioners, and Planning Commission of South Pittsburg, TN.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of South Pittsburg, formally urge our elected officials and planning commission to deny the proposed large-scale, housing development on South Pittsburg Mountain known as Happy Hollow Vista (happyhollowvista.com), similar in nature to that of Jasper Highlands. We believe this project threatens the environmental, and cultural stability as well as potentially stretching the limits of the infrastructure of our community.

REASONS FOR OPPOSITION:

• Environmental & Safety Hazards: Clear-cutting our mountain slopes may significantly increase the risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides for the homes and businesses below.
• Economic Displacement: High-end developments may drive up "comparable" property values, leading to tax increases that threaten to price out legacy residents and those on fixed incomes. This is commonly known as gentrification.
• Infrastructure Burden: The long-term costs of road maintenance, utility expansion, and emergency services for mountain developments often exceed the tax revenue generated, leaving local taxpayers to foot the bill.
• Cultural Preservation: We seek to protect the unique "fabric" of South Pittsburg from rapid gentrification (as mentioned above) and political displacement.
• Loss of Natural Resource: Once the clear cutting and road building starts, there’s no turning back. The land can only be used as a development even if the developer abandons the project, leaving an eyesore and unstable ground on the slopes of our mountain.
• Erosion of Visual Identity: Our unique viewshed is a finite asset. The scarring of our ridges with large new home construction destroys the scenic beauty that currently and historically defines our community and attracts visitors, permanently damaging our town's character and appeal.

OUR PROPOSAL: We advocate for the permanent preservation of this land. We support sustainable alternatives, such as partnering with organizations like SORBA to create mixed-use trails. This would protect our natural landscape, prevent runoff, and drive sustainable tourism that benefits all residents without destroying our mountain’s heritage and beauty.

LEGAL STANDING: We remind the Board that under Tennessee law (the "fairly debatable" standard), the City has the legal authority to deny land-use projects that are incompatible with the community’s desired future growth as well as its safety, infrastructure capacity, and heritage.

BY SIGNING THE PETITION SIGNATURE SHEET, I officially register my opposition to this development and my support for the preservation of South Pittsburg Mountain based solely on my desire to preserve the land as a natural resource and mixed recreational use that does not destroy the natural beauty of our mountain.