South Central Bell Telephone Co. v. City of Chattanooga

MATHERNE, Judge.

The plaintiffs, utility companies furnishing telephone service and natural gas to the citizens of Chattanooga, Tennessee, brought this lawsuit for a declaratory judgment on whether they were entitled to reimbursement for their expenses in relocating their property as a result of the widening and rebuilding of certain streets by the city. The city appeals the chancellor’s decision that the utilities were entitled to be reimbursed by the city.

Since 1975, the City of Chattanooga has been engaged in a three-year “Community Development Program.” Funds for this purpose have been…