Berkeley County Growth & Development: Express Your Opinions. (Martinsburg: townhomes, bankruptcy)

[mmccul]

This thread is for anyone who would like to express their opinions (good or bad) regarding Berkeley County growth. I have noticed that other local threads seem to wander off from their original topic discussing this. So I have decided to start an official thread disussing (hopefully not debating) this topic. Please feel free to write in your opinions and comments! -mmccul

[vec101]

I think if it is growth for the state - it is great. Of course, I don't live there so those who do may have a difference of opinion.

Bad thing about growth of homes and not industry however, actually puts more of a drain on the county than an asset. We had that problem in Putnam County (near Chas) a few years ago with exploding growth. I forget the exact numbers but the housing actually cost the county more than the housing taxes brought in. We struggled to "save" land for commercial use. Commercial brings in more tax money than it uses.

[REESEY]

I am all for growth but was wondering why they haven't started construction on the following approved businesses at or around Spring Mills;
ROCS(BP)GAS STATION
TACO BELL
BURGER KING
BOB EVANS
I know they started building Sheetz at RT.11 AND 901 which is the former site where rite-aid was supposed to be.

[mmccul]

I'm not sure, all of the businesses you mentioned do have all of their required permits in, it's just up to them to pick up the shovels. I didn't even know Sheetz was going in up there, I haven't been through Spring Mills in a while. Good question. -mmccul

[CTMountaineer]

My daughter and her family live in Martinsburg. The Eastern Panhandle/Shenandoah region is unique in West Virginia. The only problem associated with the growth is some of the DC attitudes are spilling over into the area, but economically it is great.

Eastern Panhandle and North Central are the State's growth areas, and that looks to continue. I think a lot of it has to do with proximity to large cities and at the same time pristine beauty of the surrounding areas.

[REESEY]

The famous coming soon sign is now up at the Sheetz location.

[zentropa]

Also noticed the foundation was poured this morning.

But let me just say...I HATE that Wal-Mart!

[Janipoo]

I'm glad Sheetz is coming. I hate Rite Aide, they built so much and now they are close to bankruptcy.

They have started working on the other side of 81 again (Potomac Station), not sure what is going in because I heard that Home Depot pulled out. I hope it is something good.

I just wish they would build different stuff, its always the same shops and restaurants.

[REESEY]

I believe they will be building over 100 townhomes further down 901 toward St.Andrews drive.

[cat1116]

Physically reside in Berkeley County. Moved there in Jan '93 from previous location in Germantown, MD. Seen alot of businesses come and go during that time especially down RT9. Most, I'd like to think, for 'better'. It will be nice to spend some of our $$$ in state as before if we wanted to go to a decent bookstore/cafe, had to drive either to Winchester, VA or Hagerstown/Frederick, MD. Same for restaurants. Anxious to see which, if any, are going to spring up in The Commons Shopping Plaza. Rumours of a T.G.I.F. For fast food, I'd like to see a Sonic come somewhere's around Martinsburg or Ranson even. Have noticed the surrounding areas repeat theme of restaurants and stores but sometimes it would be nice to get a restaurant that you don't normally see unless you drive a bit further.
Wonder what the consensus of readers would like to have for a food establishment, if given only one choice right now?