“When I signed onto the board of Springs Development, I did it because I believe in community revitalization. But I also did it because I have a stake. My shop—Willow & Birch—is right across from the spa site. Candles, handmade teas, curated bath salts. This project launches, I double my business. Triple it, if the out-of-towners come like they’re supposed to.

I get that people are nervous. The press loves a scandal, and there’s always someone waving a red flag. But I’ve read the summaries. The contamination is minor. Manageable. Honestly, I think it’s just noise. There’s too much riding on this to let fear win the argument.

I keep thinking about this phrase they used at a corporate retreat: “Build belief first. Facts will catch up.” That stuck with me. We build belief—in the Springs, in the brand, in each other—and everything else follows.

So if you’re still on the fence, think about what this project means for you. For your mortgage. Your storefront. Your ability to stay here and build something. We’re not being reckless—we’re being strategic. You just have to be brave enough to join us.”