Developers Abruptly Drop Horse Arena Project

Source: OzarksFirst.com

19 April 2011

(Ozark, MO) -- Developers of a proposed equestrian center development in Christian County abruptly back out of the project after meeting strong resistance from neighbors.

Citizens packed a Planning and Zoning meeting Monday night at the Christian County courthouse.

About 10:30 Monday night, just before the Commission was planning to continue the decision until next week, the developers of the Cedar Ridge Events Center said they were dropping their plans.    

The developers say they will not pursue the land if the project is being met with this much opposition so early.

Some of the main concerns were lack of sewer capacity, clogged roads, as well as undue costs to the county.

The project included a 477 acre equestrian center with an 18,000 seat arena.  It also proposed condos, a 20-acre lake and marina and possible retail.

The center was slated to bring in tax revenue to the tune of $3-million and bring with it 200 jobs.

"My initial reaction is being thrilled of course. But as I think about it, I think, the bottom line was our efforts and our commitment to our community and each other and coming together is what illuminated that this was not a viable legitimate or solid development. so what needed to happen, happened," said Denise Morgan-Irish, who opposed the development.

The developers say they will begin to explore other locations to build the center.