Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Aquaponics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident proposes aquaponic attraction for Meadow Mall revitalization during public comment
Summary
A resident urged the board to consider converting the blighted Branson Meadow Mall into an aquaponic, food‑production and tourism attraction modeled on Epcot’s Land Pavilion; the item was offered as public comment and no board action was taken.
During the public comment period, resident Mona Miller recommended transforming the Branson Meadow Mall into a large aquaponic food‑production attraction that would combine education, tourism and local food supply. Miller described the idea as modeled on the Epcot Land Pavilion and said the mall’s concrete and steel structure could be sealed, roofed with solar panels and fitted with modern growing technologies to produce food for the region.
Miller told the board she first proposed the concept in 2012 for a different mall and asked for a study session to explain how the existing buildings could be repurposed without demolition. She argued the attraction would bring tourists and students, support local food businesses and could make Branson more self‑sustaining: “We would be able to supply enough food. We have all the power we could use, and we have enough housing to house sustainability,” Miller said.
Why it matters: The suggestion was offered as public comment ahead of an upcoming mall revitalization discussion; staff did not initiate any action from the floor in response. Miller asked the board to consider the concept before moving forward with redevelopment of the site and requested a study session to present a detailed plan.
Board response: The clerk confirmed Milller’s request was received and the board proceeded to the consent agenda; no formal motion or referral was recorded on the transcript as a result of the public comment.
