By Staff
Attracting retirees
Meridian's designation as a "retirement community" took a tangible step forward in December, as officials from Cooper Land Development announced they would build a $35 million residential retirement complex at Bonita Lakes. Richie Camp is shown teeing off at Hole No. 7 at Lakeview Golf Course, which will be redesigned. photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
Jan. 1, 2002
Meridian scored a major coup last month when a Bella Vista, Ark., company announced plans to build a $35 million retirement community in the southeastern part of the city.
Cooper Land Development Inc. unveiled its plans before the Meridian City Council the company's first development in Mississippi after building similar communities in Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina.
Cooper Land chose Meridian over Hattiesburg and three other cities. The company plans to build up to 3,000 homes and townhouses on 1,314 acres next to Long Creek Reservoir.
Cooper Land also plans to refurbish Lakeview Golf Course, making it a private course for its residents. In return, Cooper Land plans to build the city a new public golf course just west of Highway 45 near Bonita Lakes' upper lake.