After Ocala-News.com reported that a new BJ’s Wholesale Club is coming to Ocala, several residents wrote in to share their opinions about the matter. Here are a few of those letters:
“I understand that people are moving to Ocala, that’s good. We relocated in 2005 and love it here. The problem is, We can hardly get out of our neighborhood. Fore ranch in SW Ocala is surrounded by apartment complexes, on all sides. We’ve requested a light/traffice study for our exit to SW 60th Avenue. No one responds. Coming out 38th by Sam’s Club ruins your car. The roads are in disrepair. Before you approve another home or apartment, fix the roads. Now we have BJ’s and 1,700 more homes being built in the neighborhood. We don’t have enough doctors, nurses or teachers. Speaking of teachers, let’s pay them a living wage. There’s not enough support staff in Doctors offices to handle the influx of people.” – Donna Rodriquez, Ocala
“Basically, west of I-75 there are not many large retail centers besides Heathbrook and Sam’s Club, Walmart. Other than that, there are tire places, car washes and fast food. State Road 200 is visually unattractive. Whatever stores we do have get crowded. Also, with so much new development, we certainly need more stores but other than tire, car wash and fast food, there is no retail around State Road 200 going west for miles on end. Retailers need to target their market and build retail and restaurants, etc., out this way. Also, Marion County doesn’t seem to do much to make this area attractive or safe. No street lights for miles in commercial areas. This area needs to be spruce up quite a bit.” – Carole McCloskey, Ocala
“I am thrilled to be getting BJ’s in Ocala. I pray Trader Joe’s will eventually follow as well. Much thanks for the information Ocala News. Love your news!” – Marie Elena Vaccaro, Ocala
“I am so happy we are finely getting a BJ’s here. Going to Lady Lakes is a hassle. With the traffic getting there and back, you cannot buy some frozen items because they thaw before you get home. I can not wait for them to come here.” – AnnaMarie Klusman, Ocala
“We have lived here for 30 years and back then, it was easy to get around to our local stores by car. Now, you have massive traffic all over 60th where the BJ’s is being developed and what use to take just 2 minutes to get to the light at State Road 200 from our Majestic Oaks home, now takes 15 minutes just to get to SR 200. Not to mention that now to get onto 60th from 80th is taking your life in your own hands due to a lack of a traffic light. Oh, I forgot so many people need to be killed to justify a traffic light. And to add pain to misery, they are adding 1,600 new homes and businesses along 60th and 80th. It’s all about money and the commissioners should be ashamed of themselves for ruining our area and making it unsafe. Let us all remember this when it comes to voting time. BJ’s go home!”– Frank Tatasciore, Ocala
“I am patiently waiting for Costco, Fresh Market, and Trader Joe’s to come to Ocala. What can you do to facilitate this?” – Cookie Marovich, Ocala