Hamilton County Register of Deeds Marc Gravitt says statements made to appear as though they originated with the local government are being mailed to Hamilton County property owners from an organization called the “Clerk’s Property Office.”
“When you open these statements, they appear to be from a legitimate government agency,” Gravitt explains. “It has an official–looking seal centered at the top, a legal description of your property, the county property ID number and the document number recorded in my office.”
The letter also states that a deed transfer for the property in question has been recorded in the official records.
The statement offers to send a copy of the deed and a property profile where the owner can locate its address, legal description, parcel identification number, history, assessment and tax information for a service fee of $89.
A copy of most deeds is free, Gravitt says, and his office will generally email it the property owners.
“I want Hamilton County citizens to know that this letter ... did not come from my office, or any other Hamilton County office. If you look closely, these statements have a return address in Nashville and call for the recipient to send a check, money order or credit card information to a St. Petersburg, Florida address.
“Both of these addresses are post offices boxes.”
The Chattery moves into temp space on Broad St.
After a devastating fire in The Chattery’s classroom and office earlier this summer, the local nonprofit has moved into a temporary space to host its classes.
The space is located at The Block on 231 Broad Street. The Chattery will host a free open house Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The generosity of River City Company allowed The Chattery to activate a vacant space at The Block so the organization could continue its mission of creating an active and engaging learning community.
During the open house, visitors will be able to visit several craft stations, where they’ll learn to make a beeswax candle, create a fall wreath, paint a miniature watercolor and design holiday-themed mixed-media drink coasters.
“Not only are we using this time to invite the community to see our temporary home, but this open house is also an opportunity to get a small taste of what we offer at The Chattery,” says Chattery co-founder Shawanda Mason. “The fire turned our worlds upside down, but we’re relieved to be able to offer our community a bit of stability for a while.”
While The Chattery plans to return to its classroom space on Rossville Avenue, there is no current timeline for when the rebuilding will be complete.
Girls Inc. expands to provide daily essentials
Girls Inc. of Chattanooga’s space at 4505 Brainerd Road now includes a resource for local families.
Located in suite 100, the Family Resource Closet will include a boutique that provides daily essentials to Girls Inc. participants. Families with a Girls Inc. participant are eligible to utilize the closet.
Girls Inc. is asking local residents to stock the closet with the items needed. Contact family resource coordinator Aaliyah Parrish at [email protected] to inquire about making a donation.
Girls Inc. will celebrate the expansion with a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony Thursday, Nov. 7, 5:30 p.m.
South Chickamauga Creek Greenway access paused
The Chattanooga Wastewater Department will soon launch a major infrastructure project to improve the local wastewater management system. As part of this initiative, it will construct two 1.5 million-gallon aboveground storage tanks at 6000 Cornelison Road, which is adjacent to Camp Jordan Park.
To facilitate the construction process, the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway will be closed from the Camp Jordan Access point to the Brainerd Road Trailhead at Greenway View Drive beginning Nov. 18 and lasting until Summer 2027.
The closure will allow for safe and efficient transportation of construction materials and equipment, states the city of East Ridge in a news release.
“To minimize disruptions to the community, the city of East Ridge will close and lock the gate over the bridge at Camp Jordan Park from Nov. 18 until construction is completed. Clear signage will be posted at all affected access points to inform users of the closure and provide alternative route information,” announces the release.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause and appreciate the public’s cooperation as ... [the city of Chattanooga] works to enhance the wastewater infrastructure in the community. This investment will improve the city of Chattanooga’s ability to manage wastewater, protect our environment and ensure a healthier, more sustainable community for generations to come.”
Contact the city of Chattanooga Wastewater Department at 311 or 423 643-6311 and the city of East Ridge Parks and Recreation Department at 423 805-3110. Follow the project on East Ridge’s social media platforms (@CityofEastRidge-Government) and at www.eastridgetn.gov.