[E.P.]

From the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ)

Monday, February 11, 2008
Opposition to Terre Haute land swap growing
IBJ Staff

More than 2,500 people have signed petitions opposing a proposed land swap that would make room for more retailing in Terre Haute.

Responding to rising retail competition from Plainfield and Evansville, Terre Haute developers Gibson Development and Thompson Thrift want to swap 72 acres they own plus pay $9.2 million in return for the county fairgrounds. The fairgrounds adjoin existing retail.

However, critics say the new location for the fairgrounds is out of the way and fair attendance would suffer. Other critics say the fair board should seek additional bids for the property because the price offered for the 100 acres is too low.

Proponents say the area would benefit from the economic development that a modern shopping center would bring. They also say newer fair facilities are needed.

The Wabash Valley Fair Association board in Terre Haute plans to meet tomorrow to discuss the offer.

[Wallsracing]

Originally Posted by E.P. From the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) Monday, February 11, 2008 Opposition to Terre Haute land swap growing IBJ Staff More than 2,500 people have signed petitions opposing a proposed land swap that would make room for more retailing in Terre Haute. Responding to rising retail competition from Plainfield and Evansville, Terre Haute developers Gibson Development and Thompson Thrift want to swap 72 acres they own plus pay $9.2 million in return for the county fairgrounds. The fairgrounds adjoin existing retail. However, critics say the new location for the fairgrounds is out of the way and fair attendance would suffer. Other critics say the fair board should seek additional bids for the property because the price offered for the 100 acres is too low. Proponents say the area would benefit from the economic development that a modern shopping center would bring. They also say newer fair facilities are needed. The Wabash Valley Fair Association board in Terre Haute plans to meet tomorrow to discuss the offer.

not much we can do when its a closed to the public meeting:headbang

[Pushtruck]

As one of those people who oppose the sale of the fairgrounds to build more retail shopping, I would think it couldn't hurt to have a large crowd on hand to show the fair board the community is not in favor of this proposal. I for one plan to be there, even if they won't let us attend, they will see us before they enter the meeting.

[SHORTBUS]

Originally Posted by Pushtruck As one of those people who oppose the sale of the fairgrounds to build more retail shopping, I would think it couldn't hurt to have a large crowd on hand to show the fair board the community is not in favor of this proposal. I for one plan to be there, even if they won't let us attend, they will see us before they enter the meeting.

WHAT TIME IS THE MEETING ??

[Wallsracing]

Originally Posted by SHORTBUS WHAT TIME IS THE MEETING ??

The meeting, which will be private, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the 4-H building at the fairgrounds, said David Hartmann, president of the Fair Association. The meeting can be closed to the public because the Fair Association is a private entity

[Jerry Shaw]

Originally Posted by E.P. From the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) Monday, February 11, 2008 Opposition to Terre Haute land swap growing IBJ Staff More than 2,500 people have signed petitions opposing a proposed land swap that would make room for more retailing in Terre Haute. Responding to rising retail competition from Plainfield and Evansville, Terre Haute developers Gibson Development and Thompson Thrift want to swap 72 acres they own plus pay $9.2 million in return for the county fairgrounds. The fairgrounds adjoin existing retail. However, critics say the new location for the fairgrounds is out of the way and fair attendance would suffer. Other critics say the fair board should seek additional bids for the property because the price offered for the 100 acres is too low. Proponents say the area would benefit from the economic development that a modern shopping center would bring. They also say newer fair facilities are needed. The Wabash Valley Fair Association board in Terre Haute plans to meet tomorrow to discuss the offer.

.

Fairboard member Bob Thompson speaks out:

http://mywabashvalley.com/content/fulltext/?cid=8194

I especially liked this part:

"But why would we want to move? We have an excellent location, and with an exciting new racing program at hand, the future of the action track looks bright."

Jerry