The former Dille Farm, with 270 acres of trees and farmland, was turned into a gravel pit and, ultimately, Costco. How could anyone think cutting down all those beautiful trees would benefit the local community? How could the great state of Ohio not have laws against destroying the environment like that? It looks like something they did in the 1950s. Now a huge Costco as well as a new gas station has been assembled in the middle of this gravel pit. Feedwire Road is torn up causing traffic to crawl, and none of the businesses along the road appreciate the mess.
The model for every state should be Hilton Head, S.C. The authorities there decided a community and business could be built around the trees and wildlife without disturbing the existing beauty of the natural setting. Homes and businesses were placed in and around the trees. People could find the stores without cutting everything down. Hilton Head took the time to plan a development so it could coexist with nature. A beautiful area was created for all to enjoy and appreciate with minimal damage to the flora and fauna
Look at what Oberer Development Company was allowed to do to the Dille Farm, and Centerville did nothing to stop it. Shame on Centerville and Oberer as they carelessly bulldozed their way to financial riches. They will earn millions and the Dille family got duped into believing their $15 million property would put great wealth into their hands. The result might prove to be a huge disappointment to the Dille heirs.
All those trees that were destroyed were providing a small ecosystem for more wildlife than anyone could see. That wildlife was either killed or forced out to other areas such as people’s yards or already crowded surroundings. Are the local neighborhoods welcoming more raccoons, opossums, skunks, and deer as these animals look for food and garbage to survive? How about the squirrels, birds and groundhogs?
Sugar Creek Twp. had different ideas as to how they could save the trees and create an area of beauty for all to appreciate and enjoy, but no. That would not pay top dollar for that valuable piece of land. Money was more important, so the Dille heirs went to “warm and cheerful” Centerville and struck a deal they could not refuse. Centerville annexed the property so they could control the land. Now we have to look at this blighted area until all the buildings and asphalt are in place and a few small skinny trees are stuck in areas that will hardly be noticed. How disgusting. It is an environmental disaster. Here is another shopping monstrosity that will only take business away from other neighboring stores with the possibility of closing struggling businesses that are trying to hang on. Where is the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife when we really need them?
As of now, Centerville expects Sugar Creek Twp. to provide the fire and police services for that land. Sugar Creek said it will not. Centerville annexed the land and will collect tax revenue, therefore, Centerville should provide those services. This is all just more work for the legal system.
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