Real estate investors want to build condos. Others are thinking about summer businesses and plan to open a rollerblade rental and a mountain-bike shop. The value of your property is going up weekly, with no end in sight. The announcement shocks the entire community. Reactions vary widely.
Opinions form quickly and polarize the denizens.
State officials have called for a Town Meeting to make an inquiry about the commercial development of the area in view of the geologic hazard. All residents are invited to voice their opinions and recommendations at the Town Meeting. The official is here to listen to the views of the people, even though it is not quite clear what the official will do about the problem. Rumor has it that the official is very close to Governor Davis, so any action by the State will likely be based on the way the meeting goes. A person knowledgeable about the devastating effects of volcanic eruptions, particularly those like Mount Saint Helens, with explosions, hot ash falls, mud flows caused by rapid snow-melts.