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I recently read the article in the Des Moines Register about future growth of Grimes. The article stated that Grimes population would reach nearly 18,000 residents by 2020 and 33,000 residents by 2030. How are the numbers being reached? We've currently got 10% unemployment and mortgage rates will surely rise. To reach these numbers, I'd guess we'd have to have unprecedented growth (or at least growth that duplicates the type of expansion we've seen in Johnston and Waukee over the next decade). I really don't see this happening...so please let me know how the numbers have been devised.

Grimes’ projected population is based on an assessment of the city’s historic population trends, regional population analysis (completed by Metropolitan Planning Organization MPO), and construction activity.

The article stated that Grimes has an unusually high homeownership rate (82%). You'd like to see this dropped to 70% by adding high density areas such as rentals and townhomes. This concerns me! With rentals, townhomes and other high density options, comes more families with less of a tax base to "pay" for those kids and services. How will Grimes pay for these extra services such as general maintenance, additional schools and parks?

Higher density developments often provide as high of a tax base, sometimes higher than traditional single-family developments, with fewer infrastructure costs such as water, sewer, street, and park extension.

By 2020 with a estimated population of nearly 18,000 residents, several elementary schools will need to be added as well as an additional middle school and a second high school. Where will these be located? Are Grimes residents aware that the school district will be split? By 2030 with an estimated 33,000 residents, a third high school and middle school will need to be in place. Where will all of these schools go? How are these going to be paid for? A plan needs to be in place now to accommodate the school system and it's growth now before children pay the price for huge overall class sizes.

The Dallas County-Grimes School District regularly updates its ten year strategic plan, evidence by the high quality of the existing system. The current plan already identifies future expansion opportunities at the existing high school campus.

Lastly, when are the additional meetings so I can try and attend to voice my concerns? While growth is always good, huge growth like this in such a short period of time is not.

The Open House held in May was the last stand alone event for the planning process. Public hearings will be held at both the Planning Commission and City Council meetings. Comments are still be solicited and the document is in draft format until approved by the Council. The Public Hearing dates will be posted to this website once the dates are selected.