LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA — The Lookout Mountain Planning Commission voted 5-2 against recommending approval for the Rock City gondola proposal. The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for a final decision.

David DeVaney, Philip Whitaker, Thompson Pettway, Glenn Sutherland, and Mark Erickson voted to deny the recommendation. Jan Weaver and Mike Willingham voted against the motion to deny. Commission Chairman Keith Sanford stated the session was not conducted as a public hearing.

The proposed gondola route would connect Blowing Springs farm to the attraction on the Lookout Mountain bluff. The project requires nine poles with an average height of 60 feet and a maximum height of 129 feet. All planned support poles would be situated on Rock City property rather than National Park Service land.

Doug Chapin, President and CEO of Rock City Enterprise, stated, "While we are disappointed with the vote by the Planning Commission to deny our request, we appreciate the time taken to deliberate our proposal. We will use the coming days to reflect upon the process and begin planning community meetings for closer review of Rock City's strategic planning. We will continue to listen to the concerns of our neighbors." Chapin said the gondola would reduce daily tourist vehicle trips to the mountain by up to 2,800 on peak days.

If the city does not grant approval, Chapin plans to land the gondola just outside city limits at the base of the Lovers Leap waterfall. A date has not been scheduled for the Town Council meeting to consider the gondola.