The resort community in Vail is beautiful, and I am sure this community will be as well.  It will be interesting to see the impact on the economy as well as the cultural ‘atmosphere’ in Smyth county.

These rich people who settle there will be greeted with a drive through Bear Creek, where they will see poverty and squalor as they whiz by in $60,000, hemlock-killing SUVs.

Exactly who in Smyth county is going to be buying these pricy homes?  The housing market is in shambles across the US now they are going to build these expensive homes in Smyth county and try to make it one of those work here live here play here type of communites.  The county should make sure they get all their money upfront for the infrustruction improvments that this new community will want.  Maybe I can get one of these homes when I get my economic stimulas check from the government in May, oh never mind, I will just have to give it back next year when I file my tax return.  GW got me with that one allready in the first time he tried to stimulate the economy with checks back in 01 or 02.  By the way it is no longer Wiston cup it is now the Nextel, no wait, Sprint cup.  Next it will be the Nebo Mountain Cup sponsered by Sheridan Ridge.

To:  Jamie in Chilhowie--If you kept up with what is going on in your county, you would know the main entrance to Sheridan Ridge will be through a nice farm on Snider Branch not far from Hungry Mother Park.  Also, Bear Creek is not poverty and squalor by any stretch of the imagination.

To:  Joe B from Jacksonville, FL--Our local housing market is not in shambles.  Sheridan Ridge is not being built for local people.  It is for wealthy folks (mostly from the racing community) who will live in them part time to get away from crowds and big cities.  They have not asked for anything other than to be able to hook up to our water and sewage.  They will supply the lines, roads, and other infastructure.  Since we already have enough capacity, our increased costs will be very minimal.  Our schools and other infastructure will be impacted little as most will not be year round residences.

We may have some wealthy half backs move to Sheridan Ridge.  Half backs are folks who retired to Florida from the north but moved half way back to the nearby mountains because of Florida’s cost of living, probability of disasters, lack of distinct seasons, ethnic mixture, etc. We have a low cost of living, moderate weather, small population, good access by interstate and small planes, little danger of natural disasters, etc.

As an eighth generation Virginian, I would like to note that US General Phil Sheridan is noted and reviled particularly in northern Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his laying waste to the area during the late portion of the War for Southern Independence.  Also in the subsequent ethnic cleansing of the Plains Indians populations immediately after the war, he is noted as a major leader and contributor to that cause.  Sheridan Ridge?

These affluent, part-time residents will drive up real estate prices for hard working folks who live here year-round.

We may get some short-term jobs - but I bet the construction companies will be from out of county. The number of other employees - who will run the “lodge” and other infrastructure - will be minimal.

This is how Marion’s under-educated leaders think: anyone building anything is progress.

Look at what our leaders let happen to Main Street in the 1980s. The place is littered with tacky fast-food restaurants offering 20-30 hours a week at, what, $6.25 an hour? Is that progress?

Look at Wal-Mart, offering the same hours and same wage. These jobs don’t pull people out of poverty. They keep them there.

We have to stop kneeling before any Tom, Dick or Harry who comes here with lumber and the promise of a few low-paying jobs.

The “powers that be” in my own home town never cease to amaze me.  Always chasing the wealthy crowd and the retirement community.  It would be a surprising and nice change for once to see our local leaders work as hard for the working people of our county as they do for “half backs”.  What a term to use.

Right on Carolyn! County officials bow down when any dog-and-pony show comes around. They need to realize that they are being used by these half-back developers.

Time to represent the people, board of supervisors!

Sheridan Ridge will an upscale type development that will most likely post security personnel at their gated community entrance. They do not want you to have access unless you are invited. (The residents will want to be in their own refuge.)
This is the first “true development” that has even considered the “Marion Area” so more power to them but the County Supervisors should be ever visual ant and not enter into any legal agreements etc..What happened to the new development that was being planned between Keller Lane & Park Blvd., the Town even built a “New Street"to tie everything together. (Looks like Smoke & Mirrors)
I left Marion in 1966 and I have always had a deep desire to return (Retirement). The only thing that hurts is that ever ending cycle of going to college and then having to leave town to put that College Degree to work in employment that you studied/majored in, which may not offered in Marion. Watch out for your forthcoming TOLLS on I-81, just a matter of time. DLH

I think we should be proud of the fact that these people have picked smyth county out of all the places in the world they could have went they picked here ! ive know for years this is one of the most beutifull places ive ever seen and if u look back folks where did nascar start anyway right here where my dad and probly yours too ran moonshine to make a dollar Most of these folks are hard working people too who need us to accept them as are freinds and neighbors and have you forgot about all the charities fund raisers and benifits these people have done and probly will continue to do in the future i think its one of the best things to happen to smyth county an believe this will help all of us in some kind of way .

Being a native of Smuth County, I am pleased about the new developments coming to the area, and would accept the change with open arms.

Yes, there are several who are against the new revitalization of the county, but if nothing was done we’d not have any resources coming in. Let’s face it, Smyth County is not a tourist attraction, nor will it ever be. But with the NASCAR community, something I’ve followed since my childhood, getting involved and moving into the area, wouldn’t this be a good opportunity to gain businesses and revenue to better the county? I’d much rather drive the fifteen minutes from my house to Marion than to Wytheville or Bristol to get lumber, or clothes, or a decent meal that’s not fast food.

This blessing fell into our laps and all many of you are doing is criticizing this idea because you’re afraid of change. That’s natural, but change is inevitible and you must embrace it; it will happen with or without your say. Sheridan Ridge will definitely shake up the community, but not necessarially in a bad way. If it’s a serious issue, go to the county leaders and do something about it, don’t complain and not take action.

Remember, this could be a good thing for us, really help our the community, you just have to let it.

Half-back, that is a good term, never heard it before.
To Ken, the housing market is in a crisis across the US and I cannot see Smyth county being an exception. 
I follow Nascar to some extent.  It is not the same as when I was growing up when most of the big drivers where from North/South Carolina and Alabama.  Now they are from California and the Northeast. It is no longer the sport of “Red Necks” exclusivly.
To Dan, I see you, just like me, no longer live in Smyth county.  Are you sure the community is named after Gen. Sheridan?
To Jenna J, I see you are from Chilhowie, but the rest of the county spells it Smyth not Smuth.  If you venture out of southwest Virginia you will realize that most people will call it Sm “eye” th, not Smith or Wythe (Wy “eye” th)
To DLH, I have been down that street, nicest street in town.
I do hope that the development is successful and that it helps bring prosperity to Smuth and Smyth county.  Jenna, don’t get mad!

Yeah, apparently I need to use Firefox to check spelling mistakes. Oops.

And I have ventured out of Southwest Virginia before, it’s mainly required for a college student because there isn’t a really affordable place around to continue your education. And I’m also very aware that bringing such a community to this area could possibly bring in an affordable four-year school. Emory and Henry, Virginia Intermont, King College have outrageous tuition rates and we’re almost forced into Tech, UVA, JMU, and many northern Virginia schools because they are cheaper. Fortunately, I was accepted into UVA-Wise, but there are so many kids from Northern Va there that there’s hardly any more room for those of us from Roanoke to Bristol.

I wouldn’t really be using the term rednecks in a derogitory way because during the Coal Camp Wars in West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky coal miners fought for what they believed in. And by wearing a red bandana on their necks they were able to show support for the unions they were striving to get. I really hate to see redneck used in a negative way. (Even though you didn’t. It’s just a piece of information for future useage of the word.)

Jenna J.
Avid NASCAR Fan
Student

To-Joe B- As you know, it takes a good while for the rest of the world to get to Smyth County so the real estate bubble never really got to us before it burst.  It has slowed down some but fairly priced housing is still selling and foreclosures are no more than normal. 

To-Dale- The development that never happened on the new street in Marion was a result of the town trusting and not getting everything in writing which resulted in a standoff.  The developer wanted to change some of the residential development into commercial development.  According to my former Supervisor (who was defeated in the last election), they didn’t agree to do anything beyond rezoning and waiving some of the subdivision requirements.  I don’t forsee any reason for them to make any further agreements but you never know with the bunch they have in office.

The development is named for Sheridan Earnhardt one of the project partners daughters.  I met the family at MacAdoo’s several months ago and was impressed by this insightful young woman.  She and her family look forward to becoming residents of Smyth County. 

I for one am looking forward to the change and progress Sheridan Ridge will bring.  I was excited to see that Tony Stewart was one of the projects advisers.  I love TONY!

Some people will complain about anything. 

If it’s warm and sunny outside some complain it’s too hot…

If it’s cloudy some complain about no sun…

I’m surprised that any progress has taken place with all of the stubbornness, push backs, and bull headed attitudes that we have around here.  We need to work together.  If you’re not showing up at community meetings and not participating in your government, you have no reason to complain.

To the long time citizen of Marion from Marion: You have certainly painted the kettle black and hit on some solutions.  It does indeed take participation and most of teamwork to make any type of progress.
Food for thought:
(1) What’s going to happen to the Community Hospital (Building) when it closes. Where are all the patients going now for services,which has made this facility so under utilized.
(2)The Town of Marion might consider annexing the new Wal Mart/Lowes Shopping Center Property into the Town Limits therefore “who doing” the County out of the size-able Property Taxes.
(3) Marion/Smyth County deserves the best and should not accept less than the best.The area produced the best from all the World War II Vets and all the baby boomers came along after the War and is still doing so to this day.
(4)Maybe NASCAR can buy the land between Keller Lane and Park Blvd. and put in a 1/2 Mile Oval Race Track. 
(5) Perhaps the “Fighting Ninth District” might go Republican this Fall--I’ll close on that one.

This has been a good and maybe somebody might decide to open an informal “fuss and such”. It has been fun & should make people think and the next time you come across a “HALF-BACK” give him a big old “Hug” and “Thank You”.
Ya all come back.
DLH

Kudos to “long time citizen”!!!  I’ve always been a believer in jumping in and doing something instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining.  Only one council seat is even contested for the May election, and our mayor is running (again) unopposed.  Most nights, there are no visitors in the gallery, much less people to speak when we have public hearings on very important issues!  The Marion Town Council meets first and third Mondays at 7pm, and the public is always welcome. 

I think it’s so ironic that the very people who are complaining about the development are also the ones who fuss that there is nothing to do here, that our young people want to leave as soon as they can, and that we have to go to exit 7 or to Wytheville to eat.  Folks, here’s my take on Economics 101:  Towns either dry up and go away, or they grow.  Towns grow by increasing the tax base and opportunities, or by ever-increasing taxes on the fewer and fewer that are left as people migrate to “greener pastures”.  Marion is at a crossroads - Main Street didn’t die out in the 80’s, as one poster stated.  Main Streets across America began decaying with the advent of the interstate system.  The grocery stores and department stores moved not because they hated downtown, but because we, as consumers, wanted more - more parking, more convenience, more items, more everything.  The smaller shops followed, and Main Streets emptied.  We’re very fortunate to have a great group of businesspeople who are working to continue to keep downtown Marion alive and vibrant.  Just go downtown almost any night and see how hard it is to find a place to park!  Restaurants, the Lincoln theatre, the hotel, b&bs;, live music, great shops - I’m darned proud to live here! 

Instead of hoping that 1940 will come back, some of us are proactively working for the future.  I wish, too, that major industry would come back, but thanks to NAFTA, that’s not going to happen.  We’ve still got a big segment of our economy that’s manufacturing, but we’re in a global economy, and have to diversify to survive. Retail, restaurants, and tourism MUST be a part of our future, or we’re behind the 8-ball forever, I’m afraid.

To- DLH

1. I think they should take the Smyth County Hospital building and put county offices in it and save some of the $24,000,000 it is going to cost to renovate the Courthouse.  I think that would be the best and most appropriate use for the building.

2.  If Marion annexes the Walmart, it would not take property tax money from the county as it would still be part of the county.  The only thing that would happen is it would increase the taxes because they would have to pay both town and county taxes.  They might want to do that so the town could provide more police security for the shopping center.

For Ken H.-(like we don’t know who you are).  The town has done a great job improving the downtown.  Our downtown shines when compared to about 99% of towns of a similar size and economic level.  As someone told me who was visiting frome somewhere else “Marion is a well kept secret”.  We need to change that and I think Sheridan Ridge, the Song of the Mountain series and other things will help us become known. 

I retired back home to Marion and cherish every day I live here.  Many people who live here and haven’t lived elsewhere for a period of time don’t see and realize what a gift we have to be able to live in this area.

DLH-
1)Mountain States is planning to offer the old hospital building to a non-profit or a developer, or demolish it and reclaim the land as green space.  Their current budget, in fact, allows a cool million to remove the building and return it to “green” if a suitable use isn’t found.  A 50-year-old hospital will be a tough “flip”, but we’ll see what comes up.

2) I agree that Marion needs to work with Smyth County on the 47 development - in fact, I championed that when the rumors first started.

3) We could always reclaim my old stompin’ grounds - Fairground Hill.  Half-mile race track is already there, you know.  Seriously, I’d love to see something break loose with the Callan Drive development, but that ship has sailed for now.  I understand the hospital wanted it as their first choice, but couldn’t come to terms with the owners.

The “Greatest Generation” is indeed every bit of that!  Look at the development - housing, industry, retail - that they accomplished during their watch.  We are truly fortunate for their leadership, and could use more of that type of careful thought, planning, and risk-taking, and less complaining, now, IMHO.

Hope things are well in Tidewater.  Stop by the Raven for me if you get a chance, will you?

I’m in my younger 20’s and just relocated back to the county after college for the mere fact there are some good/high paying jobs in the area, and the beauty of the land.  I better plan on moving as I can not stand a “resort community on 1500 acres” how sustainable is this going to be.  Look what it has done to the Smokey’s, Adirondacks, and say good bye to the little integrity that remains in the mountains of virginia.

and for nascar, what a great sport 20 years ago. nothing but a bunch of propaganda and advertisment for your big box stores.  Its like selling lead in baby toys, get’um when their young.

Ahh, by the time I can afford land its gonna be developed with oversized homes.  10 years from now it will be a vacant resort that no one can afford and left to litter the land.  Maybe the feds can get it right with the Environmental Impact Statement and hopefully the consulting companies are being undermined by NASCAR and the county leaders will do a little research in regards to EL statement an Adirondack lodge is never 30k sq. ft.  maybe 2K at most.  Why are race car drivers in favor of this?  Im sure you will never see tony stewart spend more that a day or two at the resort.  Vail is for colorado not smyth county, whos got the money?????

When is the public hearing?

I bet delegate carrico is aroused just thinking about this deal.  he thinks tourism isn’t important.  are mcmansions with absentee owners really the answer?