Friends of Hixson will host its third community visioning session on the future of Northgate Mall on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. at Burks United Methodist Church in Hixson. The event, themed "Get Your Voice Heard," continues an ongoing series of public meetings giving residents a direct role in shaping the redevelopment of the aging shopping center and the surrounding Northgate area.

Officials said, "The session builds on two previous community meetings, including a July gathering at Valleybrook Golf Club that drew residents, business owners and stakeholders to discuss redevelopment priorities.

At that meeting, attendees emphasized a desire for expanded retail and entertainment options, new park and green space and improved pedestrian and vehicular access throughout the site.

"Mall owner CBL Properties has outlined plans to demolish most of the interior of the current mall structure and redevelop the site as an open-air town center, while retaining several existing anchor stores, including Belk, Old Navy, Ulta, BJ's Wholesale, Culver's and the former JCPenney building. The redevelopment follows the replacement of the mall's aging sewer infrastructure, a project being funded in part through a tax increment financing (TIF) district approved by the City of Chattanooga.

"Local officials have pointed to Hixson's vision for a mixed-use town center similar to Cambridge Square in Ooltewah, incorporating residential units alongside retail, entertainment and public green space. City leaders have also discussed relocating the Hixson branch library to a site within the redeveloped mall footprint."

"Northgate Mall has long been an important part of Hixson, and this visioning session gives the community a direct voice in the conversation about its future," said Greg Taylor, president of Friends of Hixson, in comments made ahead of an earlier session in the series.

Sunday's meeting marks the third opportunity for residents to weigh in on potential uses for the property, preferred design character, public gathering spaces, and other elements developers and city officials will consider as plans for the site move forward.

The event is free and open to the public.

Community members are encouraged to attend and share their ideas for the redevelopment of the Northgate Mall site as the project continues through its planning and public input phases.

For more information about Friends of Hixson and upcoming meetings, visit their website at www.FriendsofHixson.org.