Palmer seeks input tonight on economic development

PALMER — Growth plus new business should equal a healthy economy, and the city wants to make sure this equation adds up for Palmer.

As the city considers creating an economic development commission, city council will hear public input about Palmer’s economic focus tonight at a special hearing. City Manager Bill Allen said the commission and the work it will be charged with is all about planning for the future.

“We know we’re going to be growing and we want it to be planned growth,” Allen said.

Not only will the commission help plan for growth, it will also allow the city to “pick and choose” which businesses it feels are best suited for Palmer and where they should be located, Allen said.

According to a proposed ordinance, the commission would have seven members who will not be required to be Palmer residents. The commission will include representation from various sectors, including the general public, business, industry, tourism, education and health care.

Allen said having multiple sectors seated on the commission will help address an array of issues that could impact the community and the decision of potential businesses and industry to locate in Palmer. For example, if schools are overcrowded and land isn’t available for new homes or businesses, then those looking to move to Palmer could reconsider. Allen feels a diverse commission will give Palmer a detailed examination of all the factors that could impact the city’s economic development.

The ordinance also allows for city council and the mayor to attend commission meetings, but they will not vote on commission decisions. A planning and zoning commissioner and council member would serve as ex-officio members.

If approved by Palmer City Council, the commission’s main task would be to establish a economic development plan that encompasses all areas of the city. The economic plan would be reviewed and updated twice a year, subject to council approval, and be compatible with the city’s comprehensive plan and council policies. The main elements of the plan should include:

• information about current development efforts,

• identification of potential locations or resources for economic development,

• goals and objectives that will guide economic development and measure progress,

• a specific development strategy that will help meet goals and objectives.

David Cheezem, co-owner of Fireside Books in Palmer, supports creating the economic development commission.

“I think it’s exciting,” Cheezem said. “It’s an exciting time [in Palmer] and there is a lot of stuff going on right now.”

Cheezem said development is going to happen no matter what, so having a plan and community involvement will help the city grow in a positive way. With commissioners that have experience in a wide range of business and other community sectors, he expects the commission would have plenty of ideas to keep things moving for Palmer.

“I think there is a lot of momentum here, but there are some clouds on the horizon,” he said. “We can’t just ride what’s already here. We need to do some planning.”

As the city grows, Cheezem said residents and businesses will have to embrace change, but they shouldn’t forget about the city’s past. With a commission helping guide new development, the city should be able to include the past as a part of the future.

Tonight’s public hearing begins at 7 p.m. at Palmer City Hall, 231 W. Evergreen Ave.

Contact Chris Gillow at chris.gillow@frontiersman.com or 352-2284.