By Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield Reporter
News 3 On Your Side
Imagine having a drive in theatre and outlet shopping in your area? Then, imagine hearing it will literally be in your own backyard. News 3 On Your Side
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Stumble It!Well that's what happened to several folks in Opelika.
Silver Companies has offered to buy several homes in the area. So far, they’re in talks with one homeowner whose agreed, Becky Holmes.
Holmes has spent 40 years on her land in Opelika, near the proposed site of celebrate Alabama. She and her husband built the house.
Holmes and her husband are selling, to the developers of Celebrate Alabama.
Says Holmes, “We've really liked it here, but I'm ready to move on.” Holmes property literally backs up to property Silver companies bought to house Celebrate Alabama.
Down the street, Sharlyn Griffin isn't quite ready to say goodbye. Developers have not approached her asking to sell but she knows there's a good chance they will.
She says, “We bought this as our homestead. That was the purpose to die and retire here. They would have to talk to us as far as money.”
Griffin says she's excited about convenience the shopping and entertainment - what she's worried about is noise. The developer tells us - that's a concern they're addressing.
COO of Silver Companies is developing Celebrate Alabama. He talked to News Three by phone, “For those folks who don't want to sell, we'll be good neighbors.” He continued, “We're going to do everything we can to minimize traffic, minimize disruption in that neighborhood.”
As for Becky Holmes, she won't be here to see that. She says she's moving on, “I'm not gonna be sad, it'll just be one of those things in life you decide to do.”
Silver Properties has been working with local brokers to approach folks in the area-and give them an option to sell. But- according to residents- there are speculators who are trying to go into to buy out residents first then mark up the property and re-sell to Silver.
If you live in the area and have questions about brokers who have approached you, you can call Silver Properties and find out if the broker is legitimately working for them. Just call 561-981-5252.
And to find out more on the speculators, pick up a copy of the Opelika Auburn News Thursday.
