Watkins Centre Groundbreaking is June 29

I agree with you whole heartedly, anything that enhances the prospects of the Midlothian Village area
with upscale commercial/retail development is a major plus.
What we don't want is the big box mentality so prevalent else-where. I May make an exception for "Target" if it is designed to fit in with an urban lifestyle setting that we have been promised.

Just to follow up with yesterday's comments, I have to admit that, after attending today's ground breaking ceremony at the Watkin's centre, I was a little disappointed with the content of the many speeches made. Instead of a ground breaking ceremony what we got was a back-patting ceremony, celebrating each other's achievements; in one word "boring".
What I had expected to hear was a more detailed description of the center itself, it's contribution to the quality of life of the local community (not just the whole Richmond area), and of it's impact to local residents.
I did not have the time to attend all of the past meetings and heard almost nothing through the local media concerning anything of a possible detrimental nature to the local residents.
Anyway, I sincerly wish the best of luck for the future of the Watkin's centre and for the local residents.

The last word; The greatest show of all was put on by the caterers, my hat is off to them, great food and a fine presentation.

You're going to be disappointed if you expecting something more than big box retail. The Main Street component is the only unique component and it's a small part of the plan. There will be 13 big box retailers. Here's what was written in January.

"Described as a hybrid of a retail-focused "power center" and an entertainment- focused "lifestyle center," Watkins Centre has a retail portion, called Westchester Commons, for which Metropolitan Partner ship Ltd. is currently recruiting tenants. The 800-acre site could include up to 13 big-box retailers and a Main Street component with a movie theater and smaller boutique shops."

Here's a link to the plan. Looks like "acres of free parking" to me.

http://www.zarembagroup.com/PDF/stplan_westch...

midlo fan wrote:

Here's a link to the plan. Looks like "acres of free parking" to me.
http://www.zarembagroup.com/PDF/stplan_westch...

Yes, I see what you mean, and the lack of green spaces and trails that we were promised.