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Hallsville's growth steady, likely northward, officials say
January 26, 2009
By RANDY ROSS
Monday, January 26, 2009
HALLSVILLE — Hallsville's foundation might have been railroad tracks, but the city's expansion likely will be based on the school district, according to one city official.
Mayor Charles Dawson estimated the city's population has grown from about 2,775 people in 2000 to about 3,100 people. If accurate, the growth represents an almost 12 percent population increase. U.S. Census Bureau information is not available for the city after 2000.
Dawson credited the growth of the 5-square-mile city to its 188-square-mile school district. Dawson said the school district has a strong reputation that has attracted people moving to East Texas for the relatively strong local economy.
In the past five years, several businesses and housing additions have been constructed inside the city limits, and Dawson said more businesses are eyeing a move to Hallsville's portion of U.S. 80.
Hallsville Independent School District Superintendent Greg Wright said the district's strong reputation essentially has created a need for new campuses. The district uses portable, metal buildings to house some classrooms.
"We're at full capacity at every campus," Wright said.
The district plans to build its new high school and elementary campuses north of U.S. 80. Dawson said moving the campuses would alleviate the traffic strain on FM 450 and increase traffic on the main thoroughfare, likely benefiting many businesses and restaurants.
Dawson said he anticipates the city will grow in the direction of the school district's campuses. As the students move north, Dawson said he believes families will follow.
"I think Hallsville will be like Longview ... and move north," Dawson said.
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School growth
— The Hallsville Independent School District added more than 300 students between 2006 and 2008, according to information provided by the district. To address the growth, voters approved a $96 million bond in November 2007 to construct two new campuses and perform campus renovations. Rising construction prices made the original plans too pricey, but the district plans to construct new high school and elementary campuses near U.S. 80 in the next few years.
Student population by school year
— 2006-2007: 3,825
— 2007-2008: 4,032
— 2008-2009: 4,162
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City response to growth
— In its anticipation of growth, Mayor Charles Dawson said city government has made an effort to improve the city's infrastructure and services.
— Dawson said the City Council has approved repair work on every street in the city that needs work, although not everything could be fully repaired. The city has almost completed the construction of a new police station, and Hallsville police soon will be available around the clock.
— The City Council is creating a planning and zoning committee, a first for the city, to help plan for the city's future. City Council members have been asked to bring forward nominations, and five people will be selected as the committee's inaugural members. Dawson said the City Councilalso will be brainstorming short- and long-term goals for the city's development.
— "We want to keep our heritage, but we want to expand," Dawson said.
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Housing demand
— The housing demand in the Hallsville area remains high, said Daniel Kessinger, vice president of sales and marketing for Tyler-based Perry Hall Homes.
— The builders are constructing two housing additions in the Hallsville city limits. Kessinger said construction of homes in the Tealwood addition began in spring 2006. Eighty-six homes have been completed and purchasedd, and eight homes are planned to be built in the spring. Kessinger said the addition has room for 350 home sites.
— No homes have been built at Germantown, the other housing addition. Kessinger said a street to the addition has been completed, and home construction will likely will begin in the two months. He said 80 home sites will be available in the addition.
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Booming businesses
— The economy of Hallsville has slowed a bit in the current recession, but local businessesstill are performing well, said Jon Ruff, president of First State Bank in Hallsville.
— "There's activity," Ruff said. "People aren't in a hole."
— Ruff said Hallsville is the home of many people who commute to Longview, Marshall and Shreveport, and many residents are choosing to do their shopping closer to home.
— Ruff said shoppers are a good barometer of Hallsville's economy, and most local businesses have not had significant drop-offs in their customer base. He said he was not aware of anyone in Hallsville going out of business.
— Many businesses have moved to Hallsville in the past five years, including Brookshire's, Lightning Lube, McDonald's and Bobcat Kitchen, Ruff said. Mayor Charles Dawson said other businesses are considering a move to Hallsville. Dawson said he met Friday with a maninterested in opening a business mall on U.S. 80 near Hallsville City Hall.
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