Uncollected litter is scattered along the roadside as motorists enter East Ridge through the Bachman Tunnels.

What do you think about when you exit East Ridge through the Bachman Tunnel?

I know what I think today differs greatly from what it did when I was a child growing up in East Ridge.

I used to think “OK, we are driving from paradise to hell on the other side of the tunnel.” My parents told me that bad things happen on the Chattanooga side of the tunnel. Unfortunately, now it just looks like hell on both sides.

If the City of East Ridge is prepared to spend $3 million to “beautify” the east side of town, it seems to me, with a little money the west side could look just as good! I know the residents of the west side of East Ridge frequently complain that they never see any improvements made there.

I must agree. It seems like the city council only thinks of East Ridge extending from Moore Road east to the Georgia line near Harris Hills.

I am glad there is an Ace Hardware where that run down bar/motel used to be! I also know that eight months out of the year a lot of people come to Linda’s Produce. I miss the thrift bread store terribly, and now that little book store has closed its doors!

The other thing I can’t help but say, in my opinion, there are more homeowners on the north and west sides of town. There are fewer rentals toward Missionary Ridge. Just saying…..

Because these residents of East Ridge have invested in the city by buying a home, that is even more reason to show them the City cares about the west end of town. It deserves more attention than it is currently getting … which is none!

I grew up on one side of East Ridge and now live on the other side. I can tell a big difference, unfortunately. I am just saying what a lot of people are thinking!