The Chattanooga, Tenn., Regional Planning Agency recently recommended to deny a zoning request from real estate developer Ed Cagle for a proposed self-storage facility in the 5100 block of Highway 58. Several residents who showed up to oppose the project were represented by city councilmember Russell Gilbert, who told planners the area’s large population of elderly residents are averse to having the facility behind their neighborhood, according to the source.

Residents argued the facility would not fit the character of the area and raised concerns about potential flooding. Cagle told planners the area is underserved for self-storage and argued visibility of the facility would be minimal because it would be built down the hill from residents. He also offered to plant trees between the facility and neighborhood to help as a buffer.

Although planners voted to approve commercial zoning for the property, they denied Cagle’s request for industrial zoning. Cagle argued self-storage would be a better use than retail, according to the source.

The city council will still review the zoning request.

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