Galt residents offer opinions on growth

General Plan open for public comment

With the release of Galt's draft General Plan, the community will be asked to comment on just how much or how little it wants Galt to grow in the next 20 years.

The comprehensive document, called Galt General Plan 2030, is a guide to the city's future growth, outlining where and what kind of development should take place within the city limits and land that should be annexed into the city. It also includes traffic and other planning issues.

Several residents interviewed on Sunday said they would like Galt to remain small, although a few maintained it should experience some growth to accommodate better city services.

Whether Galt should become a much larger city or remain close to its estimated 23,000 population has caused rancorous debate over the past several years, especially during City Council election campaigns.

The most recent example is the attempt by Protect Galt's Future to recall Mayor Andrew Meredith and Vice Mayor Donald Haines from the City Council. Meredith and Haines were elected in 2006, which shifted the council's balance of power from pro-growth to slow growth.

The seat of City Councilman Tim Raboy, also a staunch slow-growther, is up for re-election this year. He was not named in the recall attempt.

The public has until 5 p.m. on Sept. 5 to submit comments to Sandra Kiriu, Principal Planner, Galt Planning Department, 495 Industrial Drive, Galt, CA 95632. Comments may also be faxed to 744-1642 or e-mailed to skiriu@ci.galt.ca.us.

Printed copies of the document and a related environmental impact report are available for review at the following locations: Galt City Clerk's Office, 380 Civic Drive; Galt Planning Department, 495 Industrial Drive; and the Marion O. Lawrence Public Library, 1000 Caroline Ave., Galt.

CDs or printed copies may be purchased from the city clerk's office. Call ahead to 366-7130 to ensure availability.

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.

How much should Galt grow during the next 20 years?

Alaina Archuleta

"I think it should remain small because it's known for being a little town ... its flea market. Elk Grove is overcrowded. I don't think there should be (a Wal-Mart). It will bring in the outside influences. If you bring in a Wal-Mart, it's going to bring more houses."

Wayne Blankenship

"We need to set it up more like European towns and cities and less like the suburbia of the United States — more foot traffic, bicycling, more ability to walk to where you need to go like school, stores, work, services."

Holly Murphy

"I don't mind (growth). More businesses mean more jobs. I don't know about Wal-Mart, especially if it's open 24 hours. There is trash all over the place in areas where Wal-Marts are, especially if you go late at night."

Chris Newell

"Councils past — they've never prepared for the future. They haven't prepared for onramps and offramps. Right now, the city of Galt has a great little thing going on with the flea market. The city doesn't care about business."

Vince Clements

"I would like to see a slow, steady growth with proper infrastructure to handle it before the growth. They built houses like crazy. Now they're trying to catch up on services."

Diana Clements

"I hate (the size of) Elk Grove. Lodi seems to handle its growth just fine."

Dereck Run

"Not too fast, but gradual. A little bit more (growth) on the west side — a balance on each side."

Beverly Blankenship

"If they build the senior complex (in Oldtown), they'll need shops near them, like a little grocery store. Seniors can't afford SaveMart."

Irma Berreth

"I want to leave it as it is. There is too much crime now. I'm against Wal-Mart. I go to Wal-Mart in Lodi and Penney's."