TIMELINE

By Staff
Oct. 8, 2002
Dec. 18: Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith and officials with Cooper Land Development Inc. announce plans to build a $35 million retirement community on 1,314 acres of city-owned property in southeast Meridian.
Jan. 8: The Meridian City Council establishes a $10 million line of credit with the state, a fund they later decide to use for a new interchange on U.S. 45 to access the Cooper development.
Also: About 40 people called "Friends of Bonita" petition against building a new golf course near Bonita Lakes a promise Cooper made as part of its proposed project.
May 22: Smith and Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall announce they are working on an agreement to begin building a new U.S. 45 interchange for the Cooper project, with the city responsible for 20 percent of the cost.
June 17: Meridian city leaders reject an offer by Lauderdale County supervisors to contribute $500,000 toward costs of the U.S. 45 interchange. The council wants $1 million.
Oct. 7: Cooper abandons the Meridian project.