Just when you thought news about South Broad was over — The Bethlehem Center has entered a Community Benefits Agreement with the organizations behind the development, mapping out the future of the former US Pipe and Wheland Foundry site + the surrounding district.

This historical agreement marks the first of its kind for Chattanooga + Hamilton County and is the second one to ever be signed in Tennessee.

Executive Director of the Bethlehem Center Reginald F. Smith II said the local nonprofit got involved with the agreement back in 2022 at the request by other community members. The center took the lead after the original primary negotiating party, CALEB, stepped away from the project.

"We took on the role of advocate, negotiating in good faith to secure commitments that support environmental sustainability, job creation, public safety, and other critical needs that align with the community’s best interests," said Smith II.

While you can read the full agreement, we're highlighting the major responsibilities of each party represented.

Chattanooga Lookouts

Environmental | Leading with a more "green" footprint like lessening light and noise pollution + addressing factors like the heat island effect.

Community | Incorporating South Chattanooga and local baseball history (think: Negro League baseball players) + supporting the neighborhood through community partnerships.

Workforce | Establishing the South Chattanooga Hiring Program, providing internships + working with local vendors through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) database.

Public safety | Maintaining security cameras on grounds, having a disaster plan + conducting regular safety assessments.

Within 90 days after each calendar year, each party will provide annual reports to The Bethlehem Center to ensure compliance. | Photo provided by South Broad Chattanooga

Landowners Perimeter Properties + Pipe Properties

Environmental | Working closely with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation + making sure future projects employ a sustainability consultant.

Community | Consulting with local groups on priorities for highlighting South Chattanooga's history + regularly donating to local organizations, especially DBEs.

Workforce | Ensuring one or more projects will bring 400 workforce housing units (defined as residents who fall between 80-120% of the area median income) + at least one site for childcare.

Traffic | Executing a site-wide Traffic Impact Analysis + working with CARTA to potentially bring a multi-modal transit center to the area.

Developer New City Properties

Environmental | Ensuring major commercial office buildings are aligned with LEED certification standards + utilizing native plants for landscaping.

Community | Meeting with the city's director of supplier diversity to discuss hiring programs and space for DBE vendors + incorporating historical elements into the site.

Traffic | Implementing plans that adhere to the data found in the Traffic Impact Analysis + providing vertical parking decks, connections to public transportation, and structures like a vegetated riparian buffer along the riverwalk.

Note: Community Benefits Agreements are legally binding contracts. Learn more about the history.