We call this paralysis by analysis, and it happens here, as well. Only difference is those who don't want it band together and protest the change, to have their voices heard. It gets attention, and often times helps prevent the change from happeniing. Not always, and sometimes only worsens the situation. But in situation like this, if your voice isn't heard, if nothing is done to stop it, then you can't complain when it's finished.
The thouhts here are that if you build it, they will come. It will mean a huge increase in revenue for the merchants and the tax offices. Not such a wonderful thing for the residents, unless the roads/water/police/ect. are improved. I guess time will tell.