Possible land use swap proposed between McDonald Farm & Enterprise South

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Hamilton County is exploring a potential land use swap involving McDonald Farm and Enterprise South in partnership with the City of Chattanooga, the state of Tennessee, and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Mayor Weston Wamp described the proposal as a swap of deed restrictions between the two properties that would preserve McDonald Farm while opening land for development at Enterprise South.

“Land right now that is not available for development at Enterprise South will be opened up,” Wamp said. “In exchange, we preserve McDonald Farm for generations to come.”

Under the plan, 1,300 acres of McDonald Farm’s 2,100 acres would be preserved for recreational use, while roughly 500 acres of inactive land at Enterprise South would be made available for industrial development. Wamp emphasized the industrial use would not interfere with the adjacent nature park.

“The land that we’re talking about sits basically on I-75, on the outskirts of the nature park,” Wamp said. “But we’ve intentionally selected land so as to not interfere with current recreational opportunities.”

The proposal has garnered support from state lawmakers, including State Senator Bo Watson and State Representative Greg Vital.

“There’s been a lot of research that has gone into land use, the two different plots of land, and how they could best be utilized,” Watson said.

Vital added, “We at the state level are very committed to continue to help create job opportunities in Hamilton County, but also preserve our natural resources and special lands, so that the quality of life that attracts people here is also coupled with job creation.”

The original purchase of McDonald Farm in 2021 sparked mixed reactions.

“We think this is going to unlock incredible upside for Sale Creek, but also answer a question about how we can further develop the economy of the city of Chattanooga, which has been the regional industrial hub for well over a century,” he said.

Wamp also highlighted the financial advantages of the proposal… explaining it would mean “enormous savings for taxpayers.”

“What the potential for future economic development at Enterprise South represents is an opportunity for the city and county to again work together, rather than with extreme cost challenges, the county going it alone at the north end of the county,” Wamp said.

Letters of support from other leaders involved, including Governor Bill Lee, have been submitted.

The proposal must be approved several times by both the Hamilton County Commission and the Chattanooga City Council before moving forward.



PREVIOUS STORY: The Hamilton County Mayor's Office revealed more details on Wednesday about a possible land swap that is being pursued during a news conference.

The mayor's office tells Local 3, Hamilton County is pursuing a land swap with Enterprise South and McDonald Farm.

County leaders are proposing a land-use exchange that would conserve acreage at McDonald Farm and allow industrial expansion at Enterprise South.