By By Buddy Bynum/editor
Jan. 20, 2002
It's time for our community to unite behind a solid proposal that carries tremendous potential for economic growth. The proposal by Cooper Land Development Inc. to build a residential community on 1,314 acres of city-owned land along Long Creek Reservoir and Lakeview Golf Course is a most encouraging sign that Meridian's natural resources and economic development can co-exist. In fact, one can feed off the other.
If Meridian is to grow and prosper as we all should hope  if we are to attract more people who pay taxes and send their children to local schools and shop and become an integral part of our community's churches and civic organizations, then such innovative and creative ideas as the Cooper residential project are essential.
After careful review of a letter of intent that will guide production of a more detailed final contract, The Meridian Star believes issues related to construction of a new municipal golf course at Bonita Lakes and current uses by a variety of interests at Bonita can be satisfactorily resolved. We appreciate the confidence Cooper Land Development has shown in the viability of our community over the long-term. We encourage Mayor John Robert Smith, other local officials and Cooper to proceed along the course they have outlined in developing what has all the hallmarks of an excellent project of long-lasting value to Meridian's future.