Effects of Shopping Center Concerns Residents

Its one of the fastest growing towns in the area and plans are moving along for a new commercial development in Newburgh. Its set to go up between Bell and Libbert Roads along State Route 66. People who live in the area have a close eye on the area. New businesses may include a Wal-Mart thats got a lot of residents concerned. But theyre also worried about the environmental effects of a large shopping center like flooding. Ralph Rogers loves to take care of his riding horses. They live on about 10 acres Newburgh land right off state route 66 and theyre about to get new neighbors commercial development. "Theres pluses and minuses to everything you see here," says Rogers. One plus is the convience of new stores. A minus is the effects those stores will have on his horses pasture. "This is a low are aand somtimes the pastures flood." It also floods where Rogers lives just a quarter mile from the new development. "We have some concerns with the infrastructure with the ability to take care of the drainage." The county is still working on that problem They say theyre looking at a possible 5 million dollar project to change the direction of water flow in some drains. Theyre also making sure developers follow county ordinances requiring retention ponds. Rogers says finding a solution to possible flooding that works is all he wants, but the effects of this construction isnt over for him. Hell probably have to find a new home for his horses. Developers are looking to buy the pastures. "Theres always a hassle its a lot of hardwork." But Rogers knows development is a part of life. He just doesnt want to take his horses to an area that floods thanks to a new shopping center. This development is in the beginning stages. Theres little confirmation about what stores will be locating there. County officials do say theyve had some discussions with Wal-Mart but itll be some time before the company can get a permit to build in the area.