Managed Growth

By Louie Arrollo

We must lay the groundwork for the attraction of those businesses that offer an array of products that will sustain Ceres residents and also establish a local work-force.

I believe several indicators are evident that indicate within the next several years expanded growth will occur in the valley. Once such indicator is the recent installation of another lane to State Route 99 between Ripon and the Highway 120 bypass. Another indicator was the expansion of the BART system. As commuter time is lessened and various means of transportation is improved, including AmTrak, commuting may become more attractive. That in turn will opn the valley, including Ceres, to those folks who may long for the los cost housing and small town atmosphere of daily life. Ceres needs to be prepared for that as we continue to grow.

Population is a factor that attracts larger type cusinesses into a city. I believe as Ceres nears 40,000 population the doors to economic growth will fly open. While we're waiting for the doors to open ground work must be laid for the attracition of those businesses that offer array of products that will sustain Ceres residents and also establish a local work-force. One of the last areas in Ceres which requires careful development is the Mitchell Road, State Route 99 interchange. I believe this area should be developed to the extent that the maximum dollar will be realized as well as the promotion of local jobs. To that same end as we continue to grow a massife effort must be made to attract those industries that will provide a job base in our city.

We can no longer allow growth to occur and then, at a later time, wonder how will we provide service to the people. I believe the city must take a proactive appoach on how we do business and keep up with growth, not run after it.