http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/jun/15/construction-meadowview-truck-stop-could-begin-ear-ar-1989479/
It appears that the Washington County (VA) Board Of Supervisors has put an end to the campaign to stop the Love's Truckstop in Meadowview, but they might regret it. Though there have been concessions added to the contract and strict environmental guidelines, there will be unforeseen consiquences for Meadowview. Once the newness of the truckstop wears off, there is going to be a good many Meadowview residents that will have stars in their eyes...though they won't be celestial.
As I, and many others, have argued that truckstops and other such businesses have a detrimental effect on a local economy. After the initial burst of money for start ups, the money spent in Meadowview will slow to a steady flow OUT of the county. There strings a long line of localities that have seen this happen, and Meadowview, despite the concessions, will be added to it.
What struck me the most was the comment made by a local citizen about being able to sleep at night for thoughts of a child being hurt by the truckstop. What I foresee is the citizen not being able to sleep, but not for a guilty conscience. To make my point I ask a simple question: How many private residents have to seen located around a truckstop on a busy interstate? Once the truckstop arrives in Meadowview, it will no longer be the peaceful community that attracts retirees and young families.
If Meadowview wants a truck stop, as it has shown it does, it will get it soon enough. Along with the shiny new toy glow there will be another glow, but it won't be one you can go to sleep easy by.
No comments:
Post a Comment