Garry Daeke isn’t up for re-election this year. But the Ward 3 representative on the Henderson City Council said the upcoming municipal election is shaping up to put some new people in leadership roles. And there will be plenty of issues for him and his fellow council members to consider, from housing to downtown revitalization, just for starters.
“Every (election) cycle, we get some new folks in,” Daeke said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! “I appreciate all the new folks and their ideas and the camaraderie,” he added.
As he sees it, council members would be well served to focus on helping to create a path for the city that considers for its residents safety, affordability and living happily together.
Sometimes, he admitted, that takes a little effort.
One project that seems to be gaining momentum is the mixed-use development that is planned for Dabney Road, just behind Aldi and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Originally referred to as Berry Village, recent documents have called it Dabney Village.
Whatever the name, the 123-acre project has cleared all the hurdles necessary to get going in earnest, Daeke said.
“All the city permits are done and it’s ready to begin,” he said. Next up is water and sewer, as well as working with DOT for road configuration and entrances to the community, which will include apartments, townhomes and single-family homes as well as retail and other amenities.
It offers a housing opportunity and a community opportunity that people haven’t had in Henderson, Daeke said.
This is something creative, new and exciting for Henderson, he said. It’ll take some city money up front to get things right, he added, but there should be a good return on that investment, but good planning is key. “This is a very well-planned development,” he said. Developers hope to begin in the spring.
This also is the general area where the city was looking at constructing a new fire station.
“Our fire department is excellent, our (insurance) rating is excellent, our response times are excellent and we want to keep it that way.”
Between new construction and revitalization, there are plenty of reasons to get behind development in the city.
Sometimes, the wheels of progress turn slowly, especially when it comes to waking up a downtown area. But Daeke is watching and waiting – and hopeful.
“We’re going see it go crazy when we get this S Line lined up,” he said, referring to the proposed passenger and commuter rail service that includes a stop in Henderson. When that happens, “you’re going to see downtown as a destination to live, work and play again.”
It takes time to bring projects to full term, and it takes collaboration. But Daeke said it’s worth it.
“Working as a team, with others, to accomplish things for your community – it’s a wonderful thing to do.”
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