It probably will. But look at it this way... there will be 2 developments in front of East Meadows and Casah Merah. One is probably going to be another condo, the other - a commercial plot. I'd rather it be the commercial plot (which is the case).
Having said that, let's do an analysis of all the MRT stations near by from Bedok to Pasir Res. Bedok, Simei, Tampines, Pasir Res all have commercial developments (and shopping centres) - all, except Tanah Merah. I think we can expect to have some kind of shopping centre / supermarket to serve the area - and we are talking about a relatively large area that covers the neighbourhood (behind Casah Merah)- and all around. Check out the area it would serve : from Simpang Bedok to Bedok Rise/Terrace/Kew to Bedok South, Upper East Coast to Bedok North St 4 area - all within walking distance
http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_...mode=1&level=4
If we model it around Simei, Tampines or Pasir Res, we can expect a reasonable size shopping centre... but until we see which developer bought the land, we can only speculate at this point. Nevertheless, if you consider the profile of the housing residence, and the high density of private houses in the estate (semi-detached, terrace houses, bungalows too), it wouldn't be difficult for any developer to see the huge potential and sniff out the high income earners, which in turn should shape their development strategy. That, in my opinion, differentiates this from the other shopping centers targeted mainly at HDBs.
- with this kind of potential and its subseqent impact on the future valuation of Casah Merah, it would be a small price to pay in not being able to see the MRT station. Just my 2 cents.