The largest commercial development ever proposed in Augusta County is moving forward despite concerns from residents.

A public hearing was held by the Augusta County Planning Commission Tuesday night about the proposed Augusta Marketplace that would be located on 135 acres near exit 225 on Interstate 81.

It would include a hotel, several stores and a gas station.

Residents at the hearing spoke with concern over the lack of public notice of the project, and most opposed it citing traffic issues, lack of customer base and water drainage issues related to Lewis Creek.

Verona resident Tina Zumsteg says, "That did not give us time to absorb all this proposed information that has been put up on the screen."

Frank McDermott, representing Pence Friedel Developers at the hearing, addressed the council and residents.

"It will bring with it aesthetically attractive and very significant tax base expansion opportunities that are needed in this Valley," says McDermott.

The planning commission has recommended the proposal to the county board of supervisors that will take up the issue in two weeks.