Argument in Favor of the Mall

Argument Against the Mall

More $$$ for the Area 

Monroe is not a Small Town
Monroe is not a small town anymore! I get sooooooooo sick and tired of everyone saying that they moved her for the small town atmosphere! I don't know which Monroe they live in, but it is not Monroe, Ohio 45050! I know Mayberry had a strip club, Hustler Store, truck stop, and alternative lifestyle bar!

Mall would be great for Younger Kids
I think the mall is a great idea! Of course I'm only thirteen. It is hard to express how exited I am about just the idea or it! It's so cool! The land they picked is a great spot for a mall. It needs a little living up. By the way EyesWideOpen get over your green land, Its not going to be here forever!

Much has been made of the proposed value center mall on land in Monroe now under option by the Taubman Company of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Unfortunately, the group opposed to this development has gone to great lengths to sensationalize and mislead residents as to its impact. It is important to look at what is fact and what is fiction, weigh the facts as they exist and then draw logical conclusions. This land under option is part of Corridor 75 Park, an 800 acre industrial and commercial development. Corridor 75 Park, Ltd. is a small group of investors, two of us reside in Middletown. This property has been owned by four various corporations since 1958, all with the intent of developing the land for industrial purposes. Those people familiar with Monroe and the area recognize that for decades this land has been one of the major industrial and commercial sites in all of southwestern Ohio, This land has considered for steel and chemical companies, automobile manufacturing plants and an airport.

The opinion of the opposition is that the growth of Cincinnati to the north and Dayton to the south must stop. The fact is that planners as early as the 1950’s saw that the natural progression and growth of the population in southwestern Ohio was going to be along the new interstate highways, specifically that Dayton and Cincinnati would become closer as a result of Interstate 75. That is why in 1961, this very land was under consideration for the Southwestern Ohio Regional Airport, a new airport envisioned to consolidate the air traffic of both then Greater Cincinnati and Dayton airports into a new, modern jet airport. While this new airport project “never got off the ground”, this area was targeted as being right in the middle of the larger metropolitan region some 40 years ago. Many screams of “foul” have come about from our opponents with the request for a new interchange. Again, facts play an important role here. The I-75 & State Route 63 interchange has remained as it was when it opened in 1963. Anyone who uses it knows of the ever present congestion, especially on weekends. The truck traffic here is more than six times the national average according to the Federal Highway Administration. While upgrades are in the works, studies and models show that simply using current land use plans, existing businesses and projected growth patterns and not including the mall development, O.D.O.T. predicts the I-75/State Route 63 interchange reaches failure in the year 2009 even with the planned improvements.

However, with the proposed new interchange, using the same traffic studies and models, but including the mall development, neither interchange reaches failure through the year 2025. The new interchange is expected to cost around $23 million not $54 million as the opponents have stated. At the TRAC hearing, the request was made for approximately 40% state funding. This is an opportunity to solve a known problem, but with the state only contributing 40% rather than ten years from now where the state will pay 100%. Here is another item which is overlooked. While the state would contribute around $11 million for the interchange, the increased sales tax revenue the state receives just from the mall itself is projected to be $18 to $20 million each year. Regardless of any other factors, this is a very good return on investment for all of us taxpayers. Pollution of our air and water is another battle cry of the opposition. Technology, engineering and yes, even the dreaded emissions check, have enabled this area to improve our air to a level of attainment status from the EPA, even though more vehicles are on the roads than ever before. The bigger issue is that our land can be used for heavy manufacturing. This also means more trucks and rail traffic and smokestacks. We have all seen how the environment can be damaged from industrial accidents and spills. With regard to damage to the aquifer, the ground water maps from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources clearly show that the value center mall is not over an aquifer. The land is also primarily heavy clay which will not allow for percolation of ground water. Given that this land will be developed, the proposed value mall is a most reasonable and non-threatening use of the land.

Our opposition goes onto say that the mall will cause overcrowding of the schools. How does this happen? Perhaps the assumption is that new jobs create more people moving into the market and that buying new homes and helping the economy of the region by living and working here will mean families will appreciate and want to be a part of the school district. Right now, the City of Monroe has more than 1500 new single family home sites platted in several new subdivisions. Monroe and its new school district are ready and anticipating new growth. In addition, we have met with both Middletown’s, Lebanon’s and Lakota’s superintendents to discuss this development, all of whom see the mall as having a positive impact, not the negative as the opponents would have you believe.

Employment at the value center mall is anticipated to be from 2500 to 3000.

The annual payroll is targeted to be $177,000,000. Once the mall and the out-parcels are fully developed, the estimated total tax revenue paid to the schools, the city, the counties and the state is $58,000,000. (By the way, state law does not allow tax abatement for commercial developments as it does for industrial developments.) This generation of new tax dollars can play a major role in providing for not only the schools, but the entire region.

Here is perhaps the strangest claim made: “there are enough malls.” We were all taught in school the basis of economics which is supply and demand. Why would anyone risk any money, let alone $200 million, if the market research says there is too much of something? Missing from their argument is the fact that the value center mall has been designed for stores, shops and entertainment areas not readily found in this region. This is not a typical regional mall as one might find within 20, 40 or 100 minutes from here. The market draw is different, the concept is different, the opportunities are different. While it may be true that there are some malls which may not be performing up to expectations, those malls have been under performing for some time and one would need to investigate the management, the marketing, the mix of tenants and many other specifics to determine as to why some centers do well when others do not.

But let’s take one more step which has not been discussed. Who are these other mall owners and operators and what are they doing to stop Taubman? One of the major players in the market did say last fall that they knew if they could stop the interchange, it would be more difficult for the value center mall to move ahead. The Sierra Club did state that they “pick and choose their battles carefully” answering why they are fighting this particular proposed mall. Almost 1,000,000 square feet of new retail space in two smaller retail centers has recently been announced by the Tylersville Road and Union Centre Boulevard interchanges. We have not heard a sound from the opposition with regard to these developments. Yet the National Sierra Club overlooks the other nearby developments and chooses to condemn ours. Perhaps this is just a coincidence of the competition and the opposition working independently on stopping Taubman’s development. Perhaps not.

It is curious to note that during the various public meetings by the Monroe Planning Committee and the Monroe City Council, including the public hearings, not one single person attended from the opposition to comment about the mall’s plans. Yet we, the supporters, are blasted for not coming to the opposition’s sponsored rally.

In summary, the Taubman Company is regarded as one of the top retail and entertainment developers in the country. They are one of the best performing publicly traded REIT’s in the market. Locally, our company has been involved with industrial and commercial development in this market for many, many years resulting in nearly $1 billion of new capital investment and thousands of jobs created. The City of Monroe has demonstrated time and again that they are most capable and professional in the evaluation and implementation of industrial and commercial developments. Our plans are as they have ever been and that is the development of Corridor 75 Park into a well planned, well managed, carefully designed industrial and commercial park.

President, Robinson Lawton Kent Realtors
Partner, Corridor 75 Park, Ltd.

Mall is a Good Suggestion
Even tough Monroe is a small country type community I feel that the Mall is a good suggestion.
If an area is to grow and help raise revenues than commercial is the way to get it. The added revenue will help our schools which will help our kids be able to perform better in life due to the added technology that the funds can provide us with. If crime issues are a concern then an added an more up dated police force will most likely go into effect. People opposing the Mall should just realize that an urban economy needs growth in order to survive! Enough said. G8946

Want to Go Shopping
I have been anticipating this mall for months. I want to go shopping!!!!! BP

Better a Mall Then Something else
Everyone is talking about losing green space if we decide to build this mall. What do you think will happen if we don't build it. Something will be built their. Monroe is getting bigger every day so we lose green space every day. Why don't you complain about that. I think a lot of people are just scared that Monroe might make a name for itself. anonymous

Where Are You "Save The Earth People"
Deerfield Twp. is getting a mall with Nordstrom's. Where are you so called save the earth people now. Still fighting Monroe's Mall? Mike

Hypocrites in The City
So, the City of Cincinnati says no to funds for the new interstate exit and Mall, but in today's Enquirer state that they are ready to give Nordstrom's $50,000,000 to move to Cincinnati? That is a whole lot more than $11,000,000! Where are the groups fighting this?? Cincinnati is definitely a bunch of hypocrites! Mike

In Need of Something Good
I strongly back the Monroe Mall. I live in Monroe and it's about time that something good happened to our community. I just wish that all these jealous other cities would stay out of it. How can Cincinnati say anything when they just wasted all our tax dollars on a new stadium and roads and are wanting to spend more. Also, what about City Center Mall? My tax dollars are going to be used to raise the roof of a downtown mall that never was popular or successful to begin with! Why don't people complain about things and their own cities and leave us alone! Is someone scared that Monroe will grow to be a strong City? Seems that way! Matthew

Facts and Myths
Eyesareclosed, Truth you never studied Economics in College. Truth! Truth maybe, You probably don't really even live in Monroe! Myth, you really care about Monroe! Truth, I have had several economics classes at OSU, I live in Monroe, Pay taxes in Monroe, and support my Community. Truth, Monroe is a city on a major interstate! Myth, Factories bring high paying jobs! Not anymore look at 75% of the factories in Monroe. They pay minimum wage, or just slightly over that. They receive abatements and the property owners pay for it. They are mostly pole barn type buildings and totally disgrace our community and make it look cheap and filthy. Truth, the only mall in this are that I have seen almost go out of business was the City Center mall in Middletown. This mall was not popular from the start, and has no direct highway access! I doubt the mall would go out of business. Fact, if you are so unhappy with the mall and government and the fact that you live in a CITY! Please Move. Monroe, regardless of what happens, will continue to grow and prosper and become more of a large City. So, why not move now and try maybe Reily Twp. It is truly ashamed that somebody that attended Wright State has no clue about Free Enterprise and Economics. Mike

Jobs Needed
Eyesareopen, With the tremendous residential growth in Monroe all these new City jobs are going to be needed anyway! The major factories in Monroe, all have tax abatements! So, where do you think the tax dollars are going to come from if not the mall? THE PROPERTY OWNERS! The land in question has been for sale for over 40years and eventually will have something built on it! Have about another AK, or Trucking Company, or about 90 pole barn factories that require a large tax abatement just to come and then leave in 15 years or want more abatements! The City did have a zoning regulation to try to stop Flynt, but this man does not care, it is what he lives for! (Court) The City government has done alot for the people of Monroe! I for one stand behind them 200%! They have all lived in this town, probably alot longer than you! The sky will not fall, because of a mall! Oh, like I said please travel to Michigan and see Taubman's Mall that Monroe's will be modeled after, I guarantee it will change your mind! Taxes are a part of life! Nobody likes them, however, they are needed to support the city and services! But, what gives anyone the right to try and stop FREE ENTERPRISE and CAPITALISM! These ideas are what are government is based on! I believe these growth groups are nothing more than Socialist, who would rather see one store that is ran by the government and gives them all they need! Competition is what makes the world go round, without it we would probably pay a lot more for items we need! Mike

Great Family Oriented Place
Eyesareopen, no one is trying to pick on you, really. We just want to be able to stand up for what want like everyone else. People can stand up for what they believe regarding the Flynt's and Bristol's but we cannot? The city officials have a firm grip on the growth of Monroe. Do you think that the Mayor would support the mall if the thought it was bad for the community? The mall would be a great family oriented place to visit. There is much more than shopping to do. Check out the Taubman website and you may think so too. If taxes go up for police, firemen or city workers, so be it. Becky

People of Monroe, The time has come to stand up for ourselves, just like on our School Issue! We need to write letters to the Editors of Newspapers and to our elected officials and let them know that we will not be pushed around by another city, county, etc.... They are trying to keep Monroe from growing, so their own economy will stay strong. They are not worried about Green Land, or any other excuse. They simply do not want a nice, well managed Mall in Monroe. Please people of Monroe stand behind your elected officials and show your support for the Monroe Mall!!! And for the people that are against it, I hope you enjoy higher taxes on your property, because Monroe will not have a solid tax base!
Eyesareopen, You really don't read do you!! Monroe is right now getting stronger zoning regulations for Adult Businesses! Why don't you do some more research on the Taubman group and you will see that they usually buy up the green space around the mall and keep it that way to make their Mall more upscale and attractive. Nobody is picking on you, but if you are going to make comments without factual information, I am not going to just say nothing!! Please all I ask is educate yourself before you dictate! Mike

Did everyone think Monroe was going to stay Mayberry forever? Monroe is a prime location between Cincinnati and Dayton for residential and commercial properties. Years ago when there were only a few families that lived in Monroe, once the subdivisions started popping up, the would have been crazy to think it would not continue. Monroe will still have some green space, but if you would rather live in the country, I suggest you go there!! Becky

Eyesareopen, How long have you lived in Monroe? Bristols just opened up one day without City approval and caught them off guard! The city has tried to close them down several times, but they have rights too and unfortunately they are grandfathered! I dont know if you can read or not, but the City is doing everything in it's power to stop Flynt. However, If Cincinnati can't stop him, how can a smaller city like us stop Flynt? Once again you compare apples to oranges! The sky is not falling there- Chicken Little! Mike

Eyesareopen, you are getting all worked up for nothing. By the time all that land is developed, we will all be dead. So, enjoy your beautiful farms (read: green spaces) and relax. Maybe go shopping. JB

I would like to say that is is not the city officials of Monroe that have the scientific surveys. It is the Warren County Commissioners and the other groups that have to put in their 2 cents of false information. I do not think that the Warren County Commissioners have enough backbone to stand up for anything. All they seem to be worried about is whether or not they will get re-elected. Seems to me they just want to keep their select few happy and forget what the rest of us have to say. I would also like to say that I will not support the interchange either!!! Maybe without the mall, Monroe can look like the Franklin exit!!! Becky

Eyesareopen, The reason that you have not heard about Monroe controlling the growth of the new Mall, is because you are not listening. The Mayor has said numerous times that the growth in Monroe is like a fast moving train, you can either stand in front of it and let it run you down, or control it with the switches! The Mayor and City Officials have always done the right thing for this community! They are long term residents, that cares what happens! Also why did all you anti-mallers wait till the last exit in this area(Monroe) start to prosper to say anything? Nothing was ever said about any other exit or city! Just Monroe!Also, I would like to say that if the Mall does not go in, I do not support the new exit. I will not have my tax dollars spent on a project where there are no guarantees on a return investment! I don't know why Warren Co. would listen to small number of Chicken Littles!! MIke

Well I hope all the no mallers are happy. Thanks for making decisions for the city of Monroe. I read in the paper that the Warren County Commissioners have now "changed their mind" on supporting the Monroe Mall. Yet they support an interchange. Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black. Just what are we going to do with a new interchange and have these 20,000 more cars a day come through here and have them go nowhere! I also read that there were 50 people at the meeting! Woo Hoo!!! That is the whole county now!! If 50 people make a difference why don't they concentrate on something a little more worthwhile. Becky 

Dayton, just what is his ax to grind with Monroe having a controlled growth. I have not heard him complaining about the Union Center growth. How about the growth around the Butler County Regional highway. I say if these nasayers don't want a nice area, break up the 800+ acres into industrial tracts and then let them see what a problem can be. One person made the comment about the 20,000 vehicles a day. There is already a need to help the traffic problems. The State and the Counties can help with Union Center and the Regional Highway, but you that oppose the growth of Monroe ask them to not assist here. The State Development Department has had Honda and many other industrial companies in here, but if Monroe wants something that will be clean, keep it out. Mr. Monet worry about what is in your area not what Monroe wants to do with their land. As to the developer getting his money and running, Lenny Robinson's father Bill started the development of this land years ago and Lenny has lived in this area from birth. He is not going anywhere. Is someone scared that Monroe might grow and prosper. bbill

I hope all of the nay sayers are happy now, the Warren County Commissioners have just decided that retail development is not acceptable for Monroe. On the other hand Commissioner Larry Crisenberry still supports the second interchange, because he believes future development will occur in that area. What kind of development is acceptable to him? He evidently supports industrial development, like AK Steel, Sorg Paper and Bay West. Yes, they do not pollute the air or the water, why not go soak your head in the Great Miami Larry. New industrial development will be given tax abatements to entice them to the area. Good solid decision making by the commissioners. I think the commissioners really need to re-consider their hasty decision to knuckle under to the Mike Monets of this world. Bill

Eyesareopen, I do agree with you somewhat! Uncontrolled growth is bad, however, Mayor Tannreuther has a firm grasp on stopping that from happening and even The Taubman Group wants to preserve green space around the mall and it is a part of their plan, to incorporate green space into the scheme! But, you also need to remember that you do not live in the country somewhere! You live in a city, along a major interstate! We can both when from the mall! But if country living is what you are looking for, then I suggest that you look for a new house in a rural area. Also you have to realize that this mall is not like the Fairfield Commons Mall. The people that would come to this mall, would also visit our famous flea markets, Americana (If Reopened) and Kings Island! Please don't compare apples to oranges! Mike

I am really concerned about you? If any man was to spend half the time with his family that you spend fighting a positive thing like the mall, We probably would not have any youth violence! Mike

Sprawl is the cause of Youth Violence? I thought Television was? Come On Mr. Monnet! What are you going to say next? Have about blame the Mall for everything! No since of you leaving anything out! I am glad you were born in this time and not the age of Christopher Columbus, or I probably never exist. Because you would be holding meetings about the world being flat! Mike

I feel if everyone would stop and think about the mall they may find some interesting events or stores that they usually have to travel long distances to get to. I have read that some people are not in favor of smog, well the cities that you travel to go to your favorite stores might not want your smog in it. Quit looking at all the negatives and look at some of the positive side you just might find the your positive out weighs your negative NDW

Mike Monnet- Maybe you should try moving to the Mountains of Tennessee as well! or, maybe Russia where your economic ideas may actually work! Why don't you focus on a worthwhile issue like trying to stop Flynt, or youth violence. You have your morals in the wrong places! Jeff

Mr. Monnet, Well if what you say is true, you should be attacking TRAC for not wanting a return on your tax dollars! Lets build an exit for a factory that gets 100% Tax Abatements and returns very little money back to the state to replace our tax dollars spent! Furthermore, The strongest has always survived! If the economic situation in Dayton is failing, then look at Dayton. Spend your time finding at why? It is not because of a Mall that has not even been built yet! Mike

Mr. Monnet, when you start paying our city taxes, I will leave you alone. Just how much money are you getting from these other Malls anyway! Your excuses are getting desperate, and your knowledge of economics is probably what caused your store to shut down. Don't give me that tax excuse either, millions of dollars are spent everyday by the Govt. to purchase so called studies and $500 toilet seats! You are a very desperate man! William

As I sit here at this website and read all the people trying to impact our wonderful city of Monroe with their negative words, it really makes me wonder why they are really against this mall. With the new interchange and mall this will brings millions of tax dollars to the CITY OF MONROE. Please leave our city alone and worry about yourself. To Mr. Monett: I am sorry your hardware store failed. But maybe if you put as much time and effort into it as you are here, it would still be open. BL

People, if you do not want your town to prosper, I suggest you move in the mountains of Tennessee somewhere! Monroe is a CITY, seems people cant understand the CITY concept! Monroe has to have a tax base to survive and function! If you don't like the Mall idea. Please start paying my taxes now and future ones, because NO MALL! NO TAX BASE for schools etc.. The alliance for Responsible Growth is not concerned about Monroe Citizens! They care strictly about their areas! I agree that you should focus on economic improvements in your own town, however, don't spread false hype about economic development in other cities! Do we stop Wal-Mart's from going next to Kmart's because they are the same style store Mike

Eyesopen, so is a tax abated factory that pays minimum wage, pollutes the area, increases truck traffic, and leaves in 15 years cause the tax abatements are over, a part of your theory! This land is prime land and eventually something will be built there! I for one would rather have a return on my tax dollars! Mike

Traffic will not be a problem for Monroe since the mall will be located east of 75 and most of Monroe is west of 75. As far as crime goes, how much crime is associated with the other malls in the area? Why does the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce support its mall if it is such a bad idea? I can not believe all the 'chicken littles' there are around here. Perhaps there is more to the opposition than just concerned citizens. I am in favor of the mall. Michael

This Mall is the greatest opportunity to come to Monroe in years! We the people would be crazy to pass up this opportunity for better schools, services, etc... The tax base created by this Mall would be about 50 times better than an industrial company, who by the way requires about 100% tax abatements just to look at the land! Sure there are cons to every opportunity, but the pros greatly outweigh the cons on this deal. Mike

I am a resident of Monroe and am hopeful that the interchange and the mall go through. To the city officials of Monroe, you know what is best for our fine city. Don't let anyone push you around and try to make the decisions for you. RMC

Mr. Monnet, The strongest survives in a market of capitalism! I am sorry that you are losing business in Dayton, however, try looking at the area and management and not Monroe for your problems and solutions! Please don't stop our economic development, because yours is slipping away. I am sure there was tons of tax dollars of mine spent in Dayton on similar projects and I don't mind! That is what tax dollars are used for! Investments in the communities! 
Joan, please visit the Taubman Website! The Taubman group is the best managed mall company in the US and has very few vacancies! Please get all the facts before posting such comments about something that you really know nothing about! Mike

Jacob, You have paid for other interchanges in other towns with tax dollars! Wouldn't you rather see the money put to use to benefit your area! 
Missy, The only person that needs to wake up is you! The mall will generate millions of tax dollars for everyone! Please talk to someone about your hick complex too! RESIDENT

Here is a pro-mall website that was submitted as a response (click here)
Mws813

I am in favor of the mall. This land has been zoned commercial/industrial for 40 years. Isn't a mall better than an industrial plant? Proper use of the land which will not harm our water supply is necessary. Also, think what this will do for our tax base and our new school system. All highway systems are paid for with federal, state and local money. taj

I am in favor of the mall. If we have to help pay for the interchange, then so be it. It won't be an embarrassment like the bengals, and who is paying for their new home? dmr

"I am in favor of the new mall. The town mall is dying." JJR

"I would rather have a mall than another AK in my backyard. This mall will be a place I go to often. I heard there is going to be a basketball court and racquetball too!" no name given

Housing Values Decrease (Look at the Forest Fair Mall area) 

Ruin a Small Town 
I just think it will take the small town atmosphere out of Monroe. My family and I moved here because it was a small and close community, in which I believe will not exist with the new mall!! I also believe that the community can support our new school system without the revenue of the mall's tax exposure, low paying jobs, and city crime that comes with big city livin'. 

- Bridle Creek Resident -

WHY RUIN A GREAT THING
First of all, I just moved to Monroe especially for the quiet and ruralness of the town. I like the fact that it is such a small town that I feel confort in knowing I am safe. I don't think that there are many more places like Monroe nearby in Ohio, and more and more I have seen places urbanized. For instance, look at Mason. They have so much stuff I don't even care to drive through it anymore. West Chester is the same way. If we put in a mall, it will destroy the specialness of this sacred little town. There is a mall just down the street in Middletown, could we not just be happy with that? Building a mall here will just bring in more businesses and industry than we want.

NEW ALLIANCE FORMED TO OPPOSE MONROE MEGA-SPRAWL MALL

Alliance for Responsible Growth & League of Women Voters to co-sponsor public forum on March 15.

A coalition of citizens and organizations representing area residents has formed to fight the proposed new $23 million I-75 interchange and mega-mall in Monroe.  The mission of the Alliance for Responsible Growth (ARG) is to educate the public about the far-reaching costs and consequences of the interchange, the mega-mall, and the resulting unplanned sprawling development.

"The Kyles Station Rd. interchange would use millions of taxpayer dollars to subsidize a huge mega-mall in Monroe that will increase traffic congestion, worsen air and water pollution, hurt existing businesses, crowd our schools, raise our taxes for additional infrastructure, pave more farmland and precious greenspace, and ignite out-of-control sprawling development from Cincinnati to Dayton," said Glen Brand, ARG member and director of the national Sierra Club Cincinnati office.

In an effort to inform the people most directly affected by the proposed mega-mall, the Alliance for Responsible Growth is co-sponsoring, along with the League of Women Voters, a public forum on the impacts of the mega-mall on Wednesday, March 15, 7 p.m., at the Union Hall in Monroe. The panelists will include Monroe Mayor Elbert Tannreuther and David Rawnsley of the Residents Association of West-Central Warren County. The League of Women Voters will moderate the discussion and question-and-answer period.

"Residents of Monroe do not want every inch of our rural land paved with a huge mega-mall that the developer says will bring five times more people and their cars to Monroe than does Kings Island each year. We need to protect our green space, our farmers, and farmland. Once it's gone, we're never going to get it back," said ARG member and Monroe resident Janice King.

 ARG members include Dayton-area residents who have witnessed the negative effects of a mall on their communities. "Beavercreek 10 years ago had its own individual character and rural atmosphere. When the Fairfield Commons mall came in it changed all that. Our roads are now congested with traffic, the number of auto accidents and emergency
 medical calls in the area of the mall have increased, residential property taxes have increased, especially our school taxes," said Beavercreek resident Dave Neil.

"Where there was once green space and trees, strip malls with their expansive parking lots and ugly development now sprawl over the land.  The mall ruined Beavercreek," added Neil.

ARG points out that the mega-mall would also threaten existing nearby malls and business districts. There are six malls (Dayton, Tri-County, Middletown, Forest Fair, Towne, and the Union Centre mall under construction) within a 20-minute drive to the proposed mall site.

Residents nearest to the mall site are especially concerned about the mall's impact on the drinking water aquifer and flooding. Underneath the proposed mall 800-acre site lies the area's drinking water aquifer which is already being over-pumped by sprawl in nearby Mason, and private wells are drying up for the first time in recent memory. In addition, the developer has applied for a permit from the Army Corp of Engineers to "relocate" Miller's Creek and fill in 5 acres of wetlands, which are capable of storing at least 5 million gallons of flood waters. Part of the mall site is in the 100-year flood plain as well.

"A project of this kind and scale would create a major threat to an important natural resource, the union village drinking water aquifer. It would bring about uncontrolled, unstable development in an area already burdened by traffic. Taxpayers want their money used to make travel safer and more efficient, rather than using it to increase traffic, encourage sprawl, use up productive farmland, destroy homes and threaten an irreplaceable water supply," said David Rawnsley, president of the Residents Association of West-Central Warren County.

The Alliance for Responsible Growth encourages Cincinnati and Dayton area residents to contact ODOT before by April 15, the end of the public comment period, to voice their opinions on the proposed Kyles Station Rd. interchange. Letters can be mailed to Michael Cull, Transportation Review Advisory Council, Ohio Department of Transportation, 1980 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223. Faxes (614-644-8662) and emails (email) are also accepted.

For more information on the Alliance for Responsible Growth and the March 15 public forum, contact Glen Brand at 513-861-4001.

Keep the Small Town Feeling
I do not support the mall here in Monroe. I like the 'small town' feeling we have around here. Bringing the mall to Monroe will only bring more traffic and more folks who are very inconsiderate about the community they are visiting. Christy

Truths and Myths
Truths and Myths Lower Taxes - Myth Monroe will grow so fast as a result of this mall that it will have no choice but to raise our taxes to support it. More jobs - Truth Lot's of them and mostly minimum wage. Just what we need. Taubman is good about green space around their malls. - Truth The problem is they can't control all the green space that will be eaten up by the Hotels, Motels, restaurants and strip malls that it will bring with it. The mall on the other side of 75 won't hurt Monroe's traffic. - Myth The new interchange will not support the expected number of vehicles per day. The overflow will fall onto the 75 - 63 interchange. Also where do you think all the other businesses this mall brings will build? The real problem with this traffic isn't that it will take us all longer to get anywhere. It's that other quality businesses will steer clear of Monroe and the traffic. A factory would get tax abatements and then leave when they are over. - Truth Maybe - Myth Maybe There is no guarantee that this mall will be here after fifteen years. It could fail like many other malls. Then it will close and so will all the businesses it spawned. All the people for the mall are super smart and know what is best - Truth For themselves. All the people against the mall are super smart and know what is best - Truth For themselves. I don't want to argue any more. I think the mall will be built and I will continue to try and save the green space. We will see in the next 15 - 20 years who was right. Eyesareopen

Other Point of View
O.K., let me get this straight...Middletown/Monroe School System wasn't good enough for the powers to be in Monroe. So Monroe will get it's own school system but we all want someone else to foot the bill. Heck, let's denigrate Western Warren County, it's on the other side of I-75 anyway and won't effect most of us. Isn't that why we annexed it in the first place? The Feds, The State, The Counties will but up the $$$ and we'll rake in the taxes. Boy folks, don't we sound like a bunch of pigs? We voted for our new school system. It is time for us to pay the piper. Missy

Mike, Here is a fact for you. I am not worried about the Taubman group keeping green space around their mall. I'm sure it will look nice. What I am worried about is everything else that will be brought by this type of mall and 3-5 million visitors a year. I went to school at Wright State in the mid 80s. There was nothing. Now it is 2000 and they have a mall. You can't hardly get around there anymore. Traffic is horrible. Our mall is suppose to be more popular than theirs. Guess what that means. 1 more thing, the tougher zoning laws should have been thought of before the adult businesses moved in, not after! I hate to fill you all in on this, but with this new mall and all the growth it will bring our taxes will go up, not down. Think about it. We will need infrastructure, city workers, firemen, policemen, bigger schools and so on. This all means more taxes. Dayton has a huge tax base. The income tax rate there is nearly double ours. Just ask the people of Beavercreek what happened to their taxes since their mall was built. They went up!!! It will be good for the developers, the city officials, and the farmers who want to retire. The rest of us will get higher taxes! Eyesareopen

Becky and Mike, Pick on me all you want. You can see the future and get Regs. on the books to stop things like Flynt's and Bristols. Is it too much to ask my city officials to see the whole picture and gets zoning regulations in place before we become another Dayton Mall exit. If you like the big city move to Dayton and enjoy their good school system! Eyesareopen

The city officials and the Mayor have always done the right thing? That is why we have Bristol's and Flynt's? You can control a train with switches, but a runaway train is out of control. Will the factories not be built if the mall is? Look around, there is still plenty of farmland left for the factories. Around 200 acres are for sale around Yankee and Todd Hunter. All zoned industrial. We are out of control. We are going to nearly double the number of houses this year. Where is the control? I won't go on. I've stated my opinion. All I ask is that you all take a good look around and then ask yourself where the control is. Eyesareopen

When the mayor of Monroe stated that everyone he talked to said they were for it on TV back in March he probably was correct. His scientific survey consisted of Mr. Robinson and himself. Hey, that's unanimous. Good enough for me, let's build it! Mr. mayor, I believe you need to get out more often and talk to a few more citizens.Bucko

bbill, I live in Monroe. I said 20,000 extra vehicles a day. Yes we have a problem and an an additional 20,000 vehicles will make it worse. One additional interchange will not be sufficient. You seem to think we can either build a mega mall or factories. Open your mind. There are other clean possibilities. I also said I wasn't totally against this mall if the city of Monroe would severely control all the growth that comes with it. I have not heard one word from them on this. I also wonder why someone from Dayton cares about a mall in Monroe. Eyesareopen

Mike, I am not comparing apples to oranges. Our mall will attract many more than Fairfield commons. It will be worse. I'm also sad to say that I must work for a living and to do that I must drive. I currently drive nearly 1 hour each way and I live as far in the country as I currently can. I know Monroe is a city, but it doesn't have to be a huge, ugly city. Eyesareopen

I challenge the City Officials of Monroe to this; If this mall gets built, then we spend part of the tax dollars to buy up plenty of land in Monroe and turn it into City held Green spaces. We can have the mall and still keep our city if we really try. My fear is that the greedy will keep wanting more and then I might as well move to the corner of 725 and 741 at the Dayton Mall because that is what Monroe will look like. Eyesareopen

"Beavercreek 10 years ago had its own individual character and rural atmosphere. When the Fairfield Commons mall came in it changed all that. Our roads are now congested with traffic, the number of auto accidents and emergency medical calls in the area of the mall have increased, residential property taxes have increased, especially our school taxes," said Beavercreek resident Dave Neil. Fairfield Commons doesn't draw near the visitors that Our wonder mall is suppose to. Think about it! Eyesareopen

Have you pro mallers ever seen The Music Man? Or the episode of The Simpsons were Springfield buys a monorail? Like the proverb says, "Be careful what you wish for, you might get it." If you believe Taubman, you are foolish. He will make the money and Monroe will be left to deal with the mess. Increases in crime, strain on local services and loss of revenue to local businesses (your neighbors, whom you should support). Think carefully, move slowly. Once done, this cannot be undone! JeffB

I don't doubt that this mall will be built. After all the Greedy greatly outnumber the sensible. Monroe will be urbanized beyond anyones imagination. After all the Urbanization occurs it will greatly resemble the Dayton Mall area. Then the mall builders will look for some new un-urbanbized area to spoil and make millions off of. Enjoy it! It is Monroe's destiny Eyesareopen

I just saw Nightline -The mother of the boy in Flint who shot a classmate was one of the inner city workers bussed to Taubman's Great Lakes Crossing Mall -the round trip is 2 hours. A similar tax-funded plan from Dayton to Fairfield Commons Mall was just announced. Policies encouraging these jobs so far from the labor to fill them are wrong. I'm a member of a group, PTC, working on youth violence. Sprawl and this are related! Near Columbine, the public is very upset about sprawl. Mike Monett

Our excess of stores is caused more by government spending than by capitalism. Market analysts are saying this, and even ODOT concedes it: "TRAC does not award economic points for retail activity in the belief that retail growth largely comes at the expense of other Ohio retailers." They also say Ohio should not pay more than 10% for interchanges for new retail. This calls for almost 50%! Monroe has 7000 people. When they and Taubman pay the full $22-54 million, we'll leave you alone. Mike Monett
All the pro Mallers need to look at more than just $$$$$$$$$$$$. Think Smog! Think pollution! Think about Crime! Think Over Development! These will all come as free extras with your mall. Please try and see the whole picture. Take a drive down into Mason and West Chester this Saturday afternoon. Once you get fed up with all the traffic and congestion come back home and think about it. eyesopen

Go ahead and build your mall. Next we can have a gripe site where we can all complain about how dirty our city has become and how long it takes us to get home from work. Just try and concentrate on what more than 3 million visitors a year will do to our city. The taxes will be great. Everything else will stink. Especially the smog from the 20,000 cars a day. I think I'll move and let you enjoy your 'Progress'. Choke on it! Citizen

Our mall arguments are at www.interaxs.net/pub/mikemonett . Analysts say we already have too many stores per capita in southwest Ohio. Even if there are different chains,there are still only so many dollars among us, so taxes for Monroe will mean less taxes elsewhere. Like stadiums, developers are persuading us we need glitzy new malls to replace what we have. This is happening in every major city now, so this mall would not be a magnet for taxes from other states. Scott

Metro Dayton's retail vacancy is over 11 percent, downtown is a ghost town, my hardware store just closed. There is 26 square feet per capita of retail vs. a national average of 19. When road subsidies result in too many stores, only the newst survive. So, your predicted revenue would just be at the expense of other stores. And, the locally-owned stores being driven out return about 60 percent of their profits to the community. The national chains return about 20 percent, the discounters 5 to 8! -Mike Monett Tecumseh Group, Sierra Club

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Even tough Monroe is a small country type community I feel that the Mall is a good suggestion.
If an area is to grow and help raise revenues than commercial is the way to get it. The added revenue will help our schools which will help our kids be able to perform better in life due to the added technology that the funds can provide us with. If crime issues are a concern then an added an more up dated police force will most likely go into effect. People opposing the Mall should just realize that an urban economy needs growth in order to survive! Enough said. G8946

I do not support the mall here in Monroe. I like the 'small town' feeling we have around here. Bringing the mall to Monroe will only bring more traffic and more folks who are very inconsiderate about the community they are visiting. Christy

I have been anticipating this mall for months. I want to go shopping!!!!! BP

Everyone is talking about losing green space if we decide to build this mall. What do you think will happen if we don't build it. Something will be built their. Monroe is getting bigger every day so we lose green space every day. Why don't you complain about that. I think a lot of people are just scared that Monroe might make a name for itself. anonymous

Deerfield Twp. is getting a mall with Nordstrom's. Where are you so called save the earth people now. Still fighting Monroe's Mall? Mike

So, the City of Cincinnati says no to funds for the new interstate exit and Mall, but in today's Enquirer state that they are ready to give Nordstrom's $50,000,000 to move to Cincinnati? That is a whole lot more than $11,000,000! Where are the groups fighting this?? Cincinnati is definitely a bunch of hypocrites! Mike

I strongly back the Monroe Mall. I live in Monroe and it's about time that something good happened to our community. I just wish that all these jealous other cities would stay out of it. How can Cincinnati say anything when they just wasted all our tax dollars on a new stadium and roads and are wanting to spend more. Also, what about City Center Mall? My tax dollars are going to be used to raise the roof of a downtown mall that never was popular or successful to begin with! Why don't people complain about things and their own cities and leave us alone! Is someone scared that Monroe will grow to be a strong City? Seems that way! Matthew

Eyesareclosed, Truth you never studied Economics in College. Truth! Truth maybe, You probably don't really even live in Monroe! Myth, you really care about Monroe! Truth, I have had several economics classes at OSU, I live in Monroe, Pay taxes in Monroe, and support my Community. Truth, Monroe is a city on a major interstate! Myth, Factories bring high paying jobs! Not anymore look at 75% of the factories in Monroe. They pay minimum wage, or just slightly over that. They receive abatements and the property owners pay for it. They are mostly pole barn type buildings and totally disgrace our community and make it look cheap and filthy. Truth, the only mall in this are that I have seen almost go out of business was the City Center mall in Middletown. This mall was not popular from the start, and has no direct highway access! I doubt the mall would go out of business. Fact, if you are so unhappy with the mall and government and the fact that you live in a CITY! Please Move. Monroe, regardless of what happens, will continue to grow and prosper and become more of a large City. So, why not move now and try maybe Reily Twp. It is truly ashamed that somebody that attended Wright State has no clue about Free Enterprise and Economics. Mike

Truths and Myths Lower Taxes - Myth Monroe will grow so fast as a result of this mall that it will have no choice but to raise our taxes to support it. More jobs - Truth Lot's of them and mostly minimum wage. Just what we need. Taubman is good about green space around their malls. - Truth The problem is they can't control all the green space that will be eaten up by the Hotels, Motels, restaurants and strip malls that it will bring with it. The mall on the other side of 75 won't hurt Monroe's traffic. - Myth The new interchange will not support the expected number of vehicles per day. The overflow will fall onto the 75 - 63 interchange. Also where do you think all the other businesses this mall brings will build? The real problem with this traffic isn't that it will take us all longer to get anywhere. It's that other quality businesses will steer clear of Monroe and the traffic. A factory would get tax abatements and then leave when they are over. - Truth Maybe - Myth Maybe There is no guarantee that this mall will be here after fifteen years. It could fail like many other malls. Then it will close and so will all the businesses it spawned. All the people for the mall are super smart and know what is best - Truth For themselves. All the people against the mall are super smart and know what is best - Truth For themselves. I don't want to argue any more. I think the mall will be built and I will continue to try and save the green space. We will see in the next 15 - 20 years who was right. Eyesareopen

O.K., let me get this straight...Middletown/Monroe School System wasn't good enough for the powers to be in Monroe. So Monroe will get it's own school system but we all want someone else to foot the bill. Heck, let's denigrate Western Warren County, it's on the other side of I-75 anyway and won't effect most of us. Isn't that why we annexed it in the first place? The Feds, The State, The Counties will but up the $$$ and we'll rake in the taxes. Boy folks, don't we sound like a bunch of pigs? We voted for our new school system. It is time for us to pay the piper. Missy

Eyesareopen, With the tremendous residential growth in Monroe all these new City jobs are going to be needed anyway! The major factories in Monroe, all have tax abatements! So, where do you think the tax dollars are going to come from if not the mall? THE PROPERTY OWNERS! The land in question has been for sale for over 40years and eventually will have something built on it! Have about another AK, or Trucking Company, or about 90 pole barn factories that require a large tax abatement just to come and then leave in 15 years or want more abatements! The City did have a zoning regulation to try to stop Flynt, but this man does not care, it is what he lives for! (Court) The City government has done alot for the people of Monroe! I for one stand behind them 200%! They have all lived in this town, probably alot longer than you! The sky will not fall, because of a mall! Oh, like I said please travel to Michigan and see Taubman's Mall that Monroe's will be modeled after, I guarantee it will change your mind! Taxes are a part of life! Nobody likes them, however, they are needed to support the city and services! But, what gives anyone the right to try and stop FREE ENTERPRISE and CAPITALISM! These ideas are what are government is based on! I believe these growth groups are nothing more than Socialist, who would rather see one store that is ran by the government and gives them all they need! Competition is what makes the world go round, without it we would probably pay a lot more for items we need! Mike

Eyesareopen, no one is trying to pick on you, really. We just want to be able to stand up for what want like everyone else. People can stand up for what they believe regarding the Flynt's and Bristol's but we cannot? The city officials have a firm grip on the growth of Monroe. Do you think that the Mayor would support the mall if the thought it was bad for the community? The mall would be a great family oriented place to visit. There is much more than shopping to do. Check out the Taubman website and you may think so too. If taxes go up for police, firemen or city workers, so be it. Becky

Mike, Here is a fact for you. I am not worried about the Taubman group keeping green space around their mall. I'm sure it will look nice. What I am worried about is everything else that will be brought by this type of mall and 3-5 million visitors a year. I went to school at Wright State in the mid 80s. There was nothing. Now it is 2000 and they have a mall. You can't hardly get around there anymore. Traffic is horrible. Our mall is suppose to be more popular than theirs. Guess what that means. 1 more thing, the tougher zoning laws should have been thought of before the adult businesses moved in, not after! I hate to fill you all in on this, but with this new mall and all the growth it will bring our taxes will go up, not down. Think about it. We will need infrastructure, city workers, firemen, policemen, bigger schools and so on. This all means more taxes. Dayton has a huge tax base. The income tax rate there is nearly double ours. Just ask the people of Beavercreek what happened to their taxes since their mall was built. They went up!!! It will be good for the developers, the city officials, and the farmers who want to retire. The rest of us will get higher taxes! Eyesareopen

People of Monroe, The time has come to stand up for ourselves, just like on our School Issue! We need to write letters to the Editors of Newspapers and to our elected officials and let them know that we will not be pushed around by another city, county, etc.... They are trying to keep Monroe from growing, so their own economy will stay strong. They are not worried about Green Land, or any other excuse. They simply do not want a nice, well managed Mall in Monroe. Please people of Monroe stand behind your elected officials and show your support for the Monroe Mall!!! And for the people that are against it, I hope you enjoy higher taxes on your property, because Monroe will not have a solid tax base!
Eyesareopen, You really don't read do you!! Monroe is right now getting stronger zoning regulations for Adult Businesses! Why don't you do some more research on the Taubman group and you will see that they usually buy up the green space around the mall and keep it that way to make their Mall more upscale and attractive. Nobody is picking on you, but if you are going to make comments without factual information, I am not going to just say nothing!! Please all I ask is educate yourself before you dictate! Mike

Becky and Mike, Pick on me all you want. You can see the future and get Regs. on the books to stop things like Flynt's and Bristols. Is it too much to ask my city officials to see the whole picture and gets zoning regulations in place before we become another Dayton Mall exit. If you like the big city move to Dayton and enjoy their good school system! Eyesareopen

Did everyone think Monroe was going to stay Mayberry forever? Monroe is a prime location between Cincinnati and Dayton for residential and commercial properties. Years ago when there were only a few families that lived in Monroe, once the subdivisions started popping up, the would have been crazy to think it would not continue. Monroe will still have some green space, but if you would rather live in the country, I suggest you go there!! Becky

Eyesareopen, How long have you lived in Monroe? Bristols just opened up one day without City approval and caught them off guard! The city has tried to close them down several times, but they have rights too and unfortunately they are grandfathered! I dont know if you can read or not, but the City is doing everything in it's power to stop Flynt. However, If Cincinnati can't stop him, how can a smaller city like us stop Flynt? Once again you compare apples to oranges! The sky is not falling there- Chicken Little! Mike

Eyesareopen, you are getting all worked up for nothing. By the time all that land is developed, we will all be dead. So, enjoy your beautiful farms (read: green spaces) and relax. Maybe go shopping. JB

The city officials and the Mayor have always done the right thing? That is why we have Bristol's and Flynt's? You can control a train with switches, but a runaway train is out of control. Will the factories not be built if the mall is? Look around, there is still plenty of farmland left for the factories. Around 200 acres are for sale around Yankee and Todd Hunter. All zoned industrial. We are out of control. We are going to nearly double the number of houses this year. Where is the control? I won't go on. I've stated my opinion. All I ask is that you all take a good look around and then ask yourself where the control is. Eyesareopen

I would like to say that is is not the city officials of Monroe that have the scientific surveys. It is the Warren County Commissioners and the other groups that have to put in their 2 cents of false information. I do not think that the Warren County Commissioners have enough backbone to stand up for anything. All they seem to be worried about is whether or not they will get re-elected. Seems to me they just want to keep their select few happy and forget what the rest of us have to say. I would also like to say that I will not support the interchange either!!! Maybe without the mall, Monroe can look like the Franklin exit!!! Becky

Eyesareopen, The reason that you have not heard about Monroe controlling the growth of the new Mall, is because you are not listening. The Mayor has said numerous times that the growth in Monroe is like a fast moving train, you can either stand in front of it and let it run you down, or control it with the switches! The Mayor and City Officials have always done the right thing for this community! They are long term residents, that cares what happens! Also why did all you anti-mallers wait till the last exit in this area(Monroe) start to prosper to say anything? Nothing was ever said about any other exit or city! Just Monroe!Also, I would like to say that if the Mall does not go in, I do not support the new exit. I will not have my tax dollars spent on a project where there are no guarantees on a return investment! I don't know why Warren Co. would listen to small number of Chicken Littles!! MIke

When the mayor of Monroe stated that everyone he talked to said they were for it on TV back in March he probably was correct. His scientific survey consisted of Mr. Robinson and himself. Hey, that's unanimous. Good enough for me, let's build it! Mr. mayor, I believe you need to get out more often and talk to a few more citizens.Bucko

Well I hope all the no mallers are happy. Thanks for making decisions for the city of Monroe. I read in the paper that the Warren County Commissioners have now "changed their mind" on supporting the Monroe Mall. Yet they support an interchange. Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black. Just what are we going to do with a new interchange and have these 20,000 more cars a day come through here and have them go nowhere! I also read that there were 50 people at the meeting! Woo Hoo!!! That is the whole county now!! If 50 people make a difference why don't they concentrate on something a little more worthwhile. Becky 

bbill, I live in Monroe. I said 20,000 extra vehicles a day. Yes we have a problem and an an additional 20,000 vehicles will make it worse. One additional interchange will not be sufficient. You seem to think we can either build a mega mall or factories. Open your mind. There are other clean possibilities. I also said I wasn't totally against this mall if the city of Monroe would severely control all the growth that comes with it. I have not heard one word from them on this. I also wonder why someone from Dayton cares about a mall in Monroe. Eyesareopen

All of you that are opposed to the mall. Where do you live? Mr. Monet lives in Dayton, just what is his ax to grind with Monroe having a controlled growth. I have not heard him complaining about the Union Center growth. How about the growth around the Butler County Regional highway. I say if these nasayers don't want a nice area, break up the 800+ acres into industrial tracts and then let them see what a problem can be. One person made the comment about the 20,000 vehicles a day. There is already a need to help the traffic problems. The State and the Counties can help with Union Center and the Regional Highway, but you that oppose the growth of Monroe ask them to not assist here. The State Development Department has had Honda and many other industrial companies in here, but if Monroe wants something that will be clean, keep it out. Mr. Monet worry about what is in your area not what Monroe wants to do with their land. As to the developer getting his money and running, Lenny Robinson's father Bill started the development of this land years ago and Lenny has lived in this area from birth. He is not going anywhere. Is someone scared that Monroe might grow and prosper. bbill

Mike, I am not comparing apples to oranges. Our mall will attract many more than Fairfield commons. It will be worse. I'm also sad to say that I must work for a living and to do that I must drive. I currently drive nearly 1 hour each way and I live as far in the country as I currently can. I know Monroe is a city, but it doesn't have to be a huge, ugly city. Eyesareopen

I hope all of the nay sayers are happy now, the Warren County Commissioners have just decided that retail development is not acceptable for Monroe. On the other hand Commissioner Larry Crisenberry still supports the second interchange, because he believes future development will occur in that area. What kind of development is acceptable to him? He evidently supports industrial development, like AK Steel, Sorg Paper and Bay West. Yes, they do not pollute the air or the water, why not go soak your head in the Great Miami Larry. New industrial development will be given tax abatements to entice them to the area. Good solid decision making by the commissioners. I think the commissioners really need to re-consider their hasty decision to knuckle under to the Mike Monets of this world. Bill

Eyesareopen, I do agree with you somewhat! Uncontrolled growth is bad, however, Mayor Tannreuther has a firm grasp on stopping that from happening and even The Taubman Group wants to preserve green space around the mall and it is a part of their plan, to incorporate green space into the scheme! But, you also need to remember that you do not live in the country somewhere! You live in a city, along a major interstate! We can both when from the mall! But if country living is what you are looking for, then I suggest that you look for a new house in a rural area. Also you have to realize that this mall is not like the Fairfield Commons Mall. The people that would come to this mall, would also visit our famous flea markets, Americana (If Reopened) and Kings Island! Please don't compare apples to oranges! Mike

I challenge the City Officials of Monroe to this; If this mall gets built, then we spend part of the tax dollars to buy up plenty of land in Monroe and turn it into City held Green spaces. We can have the mall and still keep our city if we really try. My fear is that the greedy will keep wanting more and then I might as well move to the corner of 725 and 741 at the Dayton Mall because that is what Monroe will look like. Eyesareopen

"Beavercreek 10 years ago had its own individual character and rural atmosphere. When the Fairfield Commons mall came in it changed all that. Our roads are now congested with traffic, the number of auto accidents and emergency medical calls in the area of the mall have increased, residential property taxes have increased, especially our school taxes," said Beavercreek resident Dave Neil. Fairfield Commons doesn't draw near the visitors that Our wonder mall is suppose to. Think about it! Eyesareopen

I am really concerned about you? If any man was to spend half the time with his family that you spend fighting a positive thing like the mall, We probably would not have any youth violence! Mike

Sprawl is the cause of Youth Violence? I thought Television was? Come On Mr. Monnet! What are you going to say next? Have about blame the Mall for everything! No since of you leaving anything out! I am glad you were born in this time and not the age of Christopher Columbus, or I probably never exist. Because you would be holding meetings about the world being flat! Mike

Have you pro mallers ever seen The Music Man? Or the episode of The Simpsons were Springfield buys a monorail? Like the proverb says, "Be careful what you wish for, you might get it." If you believe Taubman, you are foolish. He will make the money and Monroe will be left to deal with the mess. Increases in crime, strain on local services and loss of revenue to local businesses (your neighbors, whom you should support). Think carefully, move slowly. Once done, this cannot be undone! JeffB

I don't doubt that this mall will be built. After all the Greedy greatly outnumber the sensible. Monroe will be urbanized beyond anyones imagination. After all the Urbanization occurs it will greatly resemble the Dayton Mall area. Then the mall builders will look for some new un-urbanbized area to spoil and make millions off of. Enjoy it! It is Monroe's destiny Eyesareopen

I just saw Nightline -The mother of the boy in Flint who shot a classmate was one of the inner city workers bussed to Taubman's Great Lakes Crossing Mall -the round trip is 2 hours. A similar tax-funded plan from Dayton to Fairfield Commons Mall was just announced. Policies encouraging these jobs so far from the labor to fill them are wrong. I'm a member of a group, PTC, working on youth violence. Sprawl and this are related! Near Columbine, the public is very upset about sprawl. Mike Monett

I feel if everyone would stop and think about the mall they may find some interesting events or stores that they usually have to travel long distances to get to. I have read that some people are not in favor of smog, well the cities that you travel to go to your favorite stores might not want your smog in it. Quit looking at all the negatives and look at some of the positive side you just might find the your positive out weighs your negative NDW

Mike Monnet- Maybe you should try moving to the Mountains of Tennessee as well! or, maybe Russia where your economic ideas may actually work! Why don't you focus on a worthwhile issue like trying to stop Flynt, or youth violence. You have your morals in the wrong places! Jeff

Mr. Monnet, Well if what you say is true, you should be attacking TRAC for not wanting a return on your tax dollars! Lets build an exit for a factory that gets 100% Tax Abatements and returns very little money back to the state to replace our tax dollars spent! Furthermore, The strongest has always survived! If the economic situation in Dayton is failing, then look at Dayton. Spend your time finding at why? It is not because of a Mall that has not even been built yet! Mike

Mr. Monnet, when you start paying our city taxes, I will leave you alone. Just how much money are you getting from these other Malls anyway! Your excuses are getting desperate, and your knowledge of economics is probably what caused your store to shut down. Don't give me that tax excuse either, millions of dollars are spent everyday by the Govt. to purchase so called studies and $500 toilet seats! You are a very desperate man! William

Our excess of stores is caused more by government spending than by capitalism. Market analysts are saying this, and even ODOT concedes it: "TRAC does not award economic points for retail activity in the belief that retail growth largely comes at the expense of other Ohio retailers." They also say Ohio should not pay more than 10% for interchanges for new retail. This calls for almost 50%! Monroe has 7000 people. When they and Taubman pay the full $22-54 million, we'll leave you alone. Mike Monett

As I sit here at this website and read all the people trying to impact our wonderful city of Monroe with their negative words, it really makes me wonder why they are really against this mall. With the new interchange and mall this will brings millions of tax dollars to the CITY OF MONROE. Please leave our city alone and worry about yourself. To Mr. Monett: I am sorry your hardware store failed. But maybe if you put as much time and effort into it as you are here, it would still be open. BL

People, if you do not want your town to prosper, I suggest you move in the mountains of Tennessee somewhere! Monroe is a CITY, seems people cant understand the CITY concept! Monroe has to have a tax base to survive and function! If you don't like the Mall idea. Please start paying my taxes now and future ones, because NO MALL! NO TAX BASE for schools etc.. The alliance for Responsible Growth is not concerned about Monroe Citizens! They care strictly about their areas! I agree that you should focus on economic improvements in your own town, however, don't spread false hype about economic development in other cities! Do we stop Wal-Mart's from going next to Kmart's because they are the same style store Mike

All the pro Mallers need to look at more than just $$$$$$$$$$$$. Think Smog! Think pollution! Think about Crime! Think Over Development! These will all come as free extras with your mall. Please try and see the whole picture. Take a drive down into Mason and West Chester this Saturday afternoon. Once you get fed up with all the traffic and congestion come back home and think about it. eyesopen

Eyesopen, so is a tax abated factory that pays minimum wage, pollutes the area, increases truck traffic, and leaves in 15 years cause the tax abatements are over, a part of your theory! This land is prime land and eventually something will be built there! I for one would rather have a return on my tax dollars! Mike

Traffic will not be a problem for Monroe since the mall will be located east of 75 and most of Monroe is west of 75. As far as crime goes, how much crime is associated with the other malls in the area? Why does the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce support its mall if it is such a bad idea? I can not believe all the 'chicken littles' there are around here. Perhaps there is more to the opposition than just concerned citizens. I am in favor of the mall. Michael

Go ahead and build your mall. Next we can have a gripe site where we can all complain about how dirty our city has become and how long it takes us to get home from work. Just try and concentrate on what more than 3 million visitors a year will do to our city. The taxes will be great. Everything else will stink. Especially the smog from the 20,000 cars a day. I think I'll move and let you enjoy your 'Progress'. Choke on it! Citizen

Our mall arguments are at www.interaxs.net/pub/mikemonett . Analysts say we already have too many stores per capita in southwest Ohio. Even if there are different chains,there are still only so many dollars among us, so taxes for Monroe will mean less taxes elsewhere. Like stadiums, developers are persuading us we need glitzy new malls to replace what we have. This is happening in every major city now, so this mall would not be a magnet for taxes from other states. Scott

This Mall is the greatest opportunity to come to Monroe in years! We the people would be crazy to pass up this opportunity for better schools, services, etc... The tax base created by this Mall would be about 50 times better than an industrial company, who by the way requires about 100% tax abatements just to look at the land! Sure there are cons to every opportunity, but the pros greatly outweigh the cons on this deal. Mike

I am a resident of Monroe and am hopeful that the interchange and the mall go through. To the city officials of Monroe, you know what is best for our fine city. Don't let anyone push you around and try to make the decisions for you. RMC

Metro Dayton's retail vacancy is over 11 percent, downtown is a ghost town, my hardware store just closed. There is 26 square feet per capita of retail vs. a national average of 19. When road subsidies result in too many stores, only the newst survive. So, your predicted revenue would just be at the expense of other stores. And, the locally-owned stores being driven out return about 60 percent of their profits to the community. The national chains return about 20 percent, the discounters 5 to 8! -Mike Monett Tecumseh Group, Sierra Club

Mr. Monnet, The strongest survives in a market of capitalism! I am sorry that you are losing business in Dayton, however, try looking at the area and management and not Monroe for your problems and solutions! Please don't stop our economic development, because yours is slipping away. I am sure there was tons of tax dollars of mine spent in Dayton on similar projects and I don't mind! That is what tax dollars are used for! Investments in the communities! 
Joan, please visit the Taubman Website! The Taubman group is the best managed mall company in the US and has very few vacancies! Please get all the facts before posting such comments about something that you really know nothing about! Mike

Jacob, You have paid for other interchanges in other towns with tax dollars! Wouldn't you rather see the money put to use to benefit your area! 
Missy, The only person that needs to wake up is you! The mall will generate millions of tax dollars for everyone! Please talk to someone about your hick complex too! RESIDENT

I would like to know who is going to take all the low paying jobs with bad hours that this mall will produce. The big benefit will go to the developer. Hasn't anyone noticed that there are vacancies in the outlet malls located in Washington Court House? In fact, there are vacancies in all the outlet malls that line the I-75 corrider heading South to Florida. While development is inevitable, another unneeded retail development is not the answer for the long term. Joan

Who is Paying
"Who is going to pay for the cost of the interchange? If it is me, I am not in favor of the mall." Jacob

I don't like the idea of a mall... I've just moved into Monroe this past weekend and I love that it still has some country touches...more farm land, less traffic.
I work in the tri-county area and the traffic jams are terrible. Absolutely the worse during the Christmas season. A mall would require widening of the roads, which would probably eat into some residential property, extra stop lights and way too many people. It's a pain to fight your way onto the street. I'm sick and tired of fighting the traffic everyday and that's the main reason my family moved into your community. We don't need a mall, we need the peace and quiet. Cheryl