Abland: Ignoring Community Voices and Compromising Our Neighborhood

I am deeply disappointed in Abland Development. They’ve shown a complete disregard for the community’s wishes and the impact of their choices on the surrounding neighborhoods. Despite numerous petitions, surveys, and clear feedback from the residents, Abland is moving forward with a retail center that brings tenants like Shoprite, Roots, and OBC to our area. These tenants, we specifically requested to avoid, due to concerns over the impact on the community’s safety, home value, and quality of life.

From the beginning, we were led to believe that Abland valued community input. They hosted surveys and gave us the impression that our voices mattered. Yet, as the project has progressed, it’s clear they were only checking boxes without real intent to respect community needs or concerns. Instead of listening to the very people who will be affected daily by this center, they prioritized tenants that we believe will bring unwanted consequences to the neighborhood.

We have valid concerns that the presence of these stores will compromise the safety, peace, and desirability of our area. It is no secret that some of these establishments can be magnets for higher foot traffic and increased congestion, which can lead to security challenges. Many residents chose this neighborhood for its residential appeal and value – a value we now fear is at risk because of Abland’s disregard for our wishes.

It’s incredibly disheartening to see a development company like Abland act in such an irresponsible manner, putting profit above the welfare of the communities they claim to serve. The very essence of a neighborhood lies in the safety and comfort of its residents, but Abland has dismissed this by prioritizing tenants that the community explicitly voiced against.

If you’re a homeowner considering an area with Abland’s developments, please be cautious. Understand that your voice may be overlooked, and the vision they sell might be at odds with the reality they deliver.