“It’s an element of fear, what has been done and, what could be done."

The Thomson maximum security prison opened the same year as the 9/11 tragedies and never did the residents there think future prisoners would be linked to the attacks.

"We need it open for the economy but, it's a shock when you hear terrorist suspects will be coming to our area" said a resident

Nearly 200 Gitmo detainees could relocate to the Thomson corrections center in Carroll County. It’s a front runner in president Obama's plan to shut down Guantanamo Bay by the end of the year.

“The facility is super secure so I don't see a problem with that or anyone trying to get into it” said Alan Welty who lives across the street from the prison

With an electric fence surrounding the prison, some residents don't feel detainees could escape but some state leaders say that's exactly why this city could become a target for terrorism

“These are the worlds most wicked and cruel people and the terrorist’s draw each other in." said 16Th District Congressman, Don Manzullo

Another uneasy thought comes from business owners who expanded when Thomson was originally built. They now credit empty prison cells and a tough economy for a down turn in their community.

Village president, Jerry Hebeler says his town desperately needs the nearly three-thousand jobs and rejecting the white house would be more harmful than who is inside.

“I just want it to reopen so we can build our community back up" he said