Delano committed to reasonable growth

Much has happened since the first German and Polish settlers arrived in this village almost 150 years ago, but the spirit of Delano remains unchanged.

Through the concentrated effort of city officials and leaders, Delano’s small-town atmosphere remains intact, even as the town progresses.

Proud past, promising future

Evidence of this progress is found in the restoration project currently taking place in the downtown.

Through its city council and commissions, economic development authority, chamber of commerce, and the Wright County Economic Development Partnership, several ambitious projects are in line to be finished by 2010.

Such projects include a new entrance and improvements to Highway 12, a significant flood prevention project, and a river park running on the east side of Highway 12 that will feature green space with walking trails that will tie into Lake Rebecca Park and the Luce Line State Trail.

“Highway 12 is our main corridor through town,” said Delano Mayor Joe McDonald. “The goal is to continue to beautify the corridor with MnDOT’s help.”

Work will also continue to be done on Central Park. New ballfields, parking areas, and eventual reconstruction of park facilities are on the docket through 2010. The Delano Municipal Utilities also recently completed construction on a new water treatment plant, which began operating in 2006.

“The new water treatment plant adds a better quality of water for citizens,” McDonald said.

To make sure all these projects do not overshadow the value of the small-town feel, the Delano-Franklin Historical Society was created in 1999.

Residential growth brings change

In the last 10 years, Delano has seen its population jump from about 3,000 to 5,000 residents. Presently, its population sits at about 5,200, according to Delano City Administrator Phil Kern. This shift has brought several new businesses and industries to the area, including new restaurants and grocery stores.

More housing is also being built to meet the demand of a rising population. But forces are in place to make sure growth has only a positive impact on the community.

“The City of Delano, the council, and mayor will continue to focus on good, quality growth,” McDonald said.

The city maintains a strong fund balance, and takes pride in having low tax rates.

A comprehensive plan and a time line for current city projects is also in place to make sure everything aligns with the needs and wants of the citizens.

“We’re looking for in our developments a controlled, reasonable rate of growth,” McDonald said. “We don’t want to explode too fast too soon. We don’t want to have to raise taxes to pay for growth.”

Delano’s comprehensive plan recommends a cap on growth at an average of 165 housing units per year, McDonald added.