Where on Earth are the local leaders’ minds when it comes to studying impacts of large developments? With all the hoopla around Country Crossing being a economic juggernaut to the Dothan region, should we all jump on the bandwagon or wait a minute and actually look at reality and facts?

The “thousands” of good jobs is a laugh, as probably a good 80 percent or more will be service sector jobs, known as the lowest of low wage jobs. It’s a good bet that 80 percent or more of those will be part-time jobs.

Another fact is a comparison of Branson’s and Dothan’s annual household income. Branson households average $31,997; Dothan households average $35,000. Consider the I-10 connector — until it is actually being constructed, it is not going to happen.

Florida has no plan whatsoever to even touch such a project, as it is already spending millions on four-laning Highways 77 and 79, which more than takes care of its traffic needs. Why on earth will they want to spend a good $100 million on a project they won’t need for a good 20 years ore more? My other concern is how this project suddenly appeared and then — presto! — it’s approved, land is bought and it’s ready to build.

So in the state of Alabama, which has no gaming board, and unlike Louisiana or Mississippi with casinos, Country Crossing will not pay a huge percentage of revenue from the bingo casino to the city, county or state. Dothan, enjoy County Crossing and all of its great growing pains. I know I will.

Gerald Patterson
Dothan