City Councilman Jerry Mitchell said more public input may be needed before the city signs off on allowing officials of the National Medal of Honor Museum to erect a permanent home at Coolidge Park.

At the council meeting on Tuesday night, he amended an ordinance that would have given the mayor the ability to negotiate a lease and sign it. The amendment only has the mayor negotiating, then the matter coming back before the council before the lease is signed.



Councilman Mitchell said since Coolidge Park is such a beloved public space that he wants to get more information about giving up park space for the memorial.

He also said there were concerns about leasing the property, then having the group not be able to raise the necessary funds. He noted recent difficulties incurred by the Chattanooga History Museum.

Councilman Yusuf Hakeem said, "It might be that it should go in a better place. But I don't know of one."



Bill Raines, a leader in the effort, said it is planned to build a two-story, 6,800-square-foot domed museum on two acres at the park.

He said it will be dedicated to Medal of Honor recipient Charles H. Coolidge, who is now 94. There will be a sculpture of Mr. Coolidge - for whom the popular park is named.



Mr. Raines said there will be a private fundraising campaign to raise funds to build the center. He said a $2 million endowment fund is planned so it will be self-sustaining.

Architect Pat Neuhoff said the design includes six columns that represent six character traits of Medal of Honor recipients. There will also be a plaza and an amphitheater.

He said it will be directly across from the Theatre Centre. It will be on two and a half acres, but only have a footprint of 4,000 square feet of space, it was stated. The remainder of the site will still be available for park use, it was stated.

Mr. Raines said the County Commission earlier approved the project after the Planning Commission staff and the Planning Commission itself gave approval. He said two public meetings were held at the Theatre Centre.



Exhibits from the current museum at Northgate Mall will be included.

The museum has been at several different locations.

Mr. Coolidge was honored for his actions during World War II.

Mr. Raines said the group is seeking a 99-year ground lease from the city and county at a dollar per year.