Galt Hopes New Housing Development Sparks Population, Economic Growth
GALT (CBS13) - The city of Galt is on the brink of a major boom with a developer's announcement to build thousands of new homes in the area.
A developer wants to build 2,000 new homes northeast of Galt, off Twin Cities and Marengo Roads. If approved, it could bring in new money to the small town.
SunCal Companies has purchased the property and is in talks to annex the land into Galt city limits.
"By adding that many new homes, it kind of tells other developers that 'hey, Galt is really moving forward.' And by bringing in some new rooftops, we will be able to attract some other kinds of things the community wants," said Galt City Manager Jason Behrmann.
The new development plans have some residents concerned their rural roads will be clogged.
"I hate it because we're a small town, and I feel like it's just going to cause a bunch of traffic," said Galt resident Sarah Hamon.
Others worry that it will change the city's small town feel.
"I don't' like the fact that they are taking up a lot of our beautiful country side," said Galt resident Paula Garbarino.
But schools stand to benefit from the population boom. Two campuses closed in the last five years due to declining enrollment, so the school district looks forward to a growing community.
"Financially, the more children we serve in our school system, there is added revenue per child that we receive. So, that is a plus," said Karen Schauer, Galt Joint Union Elementary School District.
Supporters say it will also help attract new businesses and give a boost to the local economy.
"We want to have enough tax base to be able to support the school system, to be able to support parks and recreation programs," said Behrmann.
"We really do need the extra tax revenue," said Galt resident Veronica Wagner.
The next step in the development project is to do an environmental study.
The city is cutting their developer impact fees to encourage future growth.
The developer hopes to break ground in the summer of 2015.
