“We can’t make any promises of what will happen here. We can’t tell you exactly how many jobs this will create,” Bellissimo said. “But there isn’t really a place in this country that will offer what we can offer.”

Bellisimo and Smith do anticipate bringing a slew of jobs to the area.

“I think the jobs we do create will be instant in terms of construction to clear roads, move dirt,” Bellissimo said.

Sheila and Gary Simpson’s property abuts the section of the development where the most commercial activity is set to occur.

Gary Simpson said he’s in favor of the project for one simple reason – jobs.

“I don’t see anything wrong with what they are proposing if it’s going to bring jobs,” Simpson said.

Gary and his wife have lived in the neighborhood all their lives. He said the one concern many people have raised is noise from the trucks and trailers, but he said he doubts it could be much worse than what they hear coming off the bypass.

The question of roads came up during the meeting and specifically potential widening for Sandy Plains Rd. Bellissimo said widening of the road was unlikely-, as most of the equestrian activity would enter the area on the opposite side of the property from Hwy. 74 near the intersection of John Sheehan and Pea Ridge Rd.