Due to my interest in this development as an owner of a business in Hixson, and as a Hixson resident, I have attended many (if not all) of the public meetings that have been held by both the developer, the Regional Planning Agency, and Pam Ladd. I've seen many Hixson residents ask thoughtful questions and raise legitimate concerns about this development: This is a HUGE project, roughly the size of Hamilton Place Mall, and therefore deserves a great deal of scrutiny. It would be a shame if this beautiful piece of land which resides at one of the main entryways into Hixson, would turn into an eyesore like the unfinished "Fountains" development across the street.

I think that a healthy, informative debate about this project is useful since it impacts so many residents and businesses. To call that debate a smear campaign seems odd to me. After all, the type of discourse that brings valid concerns like these to light and addresses them before ground is broken is what makes projects like this better when they are ultimately built.