On Friday, East Ridge City Councilwoman Esther Helton said she wants to dissolve the East Ridge Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

In a press release, Helton said she plans  to make a motion to immediately dissolve the ERHRA and drafted plan at the next meeting. Instead, other options to encourage new growth and redevelopment inside the city boundaries without any use of eminent domain will be explored.

“I believe one of our fundamental liberties as Americans is our property rights, which is also the foundation of prosperity,” Helton said.

Since taking office as an East Ridge Council member, Helton has worked to advocate for programs and initiatives that drive growth in the community without growing government or added more bureaucracies. As a resident, a nurse, a mom of a small business owner and a public servant, Helton believes the future of East Ridge will be driven by the City’s ability to improve the economic development and viability of its commercial district on Ringgold Road. 

“The citizens of East Ridge submitted the necessary number of signatures in a petition to improve our community last year. While our commitment remains as a council to honor the wishes of voters, we must first address a state loophole that could potentially jeopardize property owner’s rights,” she said in the press release. “We can address infrastructure needs and public safety concerns through collaboration. We’ll begin.by dissolving the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and work to encourage new growth and redevelopment within the commercial district on Ringgold Road.”