Indio mayor envisions prosperous future

Just before travelers heading east on Interstate 10 reach the Indio exits, they see amidst the billboards beating the drum for new housing developments one promoting the entire city of Indio. "Catch 'the Vision," it reads, suggesting they "Explore Development Opportunities in the city.

"Our slogan over the past year has been 'Catch the vision.' And looking around at all that is going on in the city. I know for a fact that we have caught the vision and are definitely running full speed ahead," said Mayor Jacquie Bethel at the city's annual state-of-the-city address on Sept. 9.

"As you drive around town, it is impossible not to notice the growth in our residential housing market," the mayor continued. "From north of I-10 to South of Avenue 50, Indio's housing market continues to be red hot. Over the past 18 months, the city has entitled over 27,000 new homes to be constructed over the next five to seven years." Estimates suggest Indio's population will grow from its current 60,000 citizens to 135,000 by 2011. From 2002 to 2003, building permit valuations rose from $170 million to $268 million. As of Bethel's address, building permits for 2004 stood at $319 million. "That's an 88 percent increase, and we still have four months to go this year!" Bethel enthused.

"This growth in our housing market is attracting all types of commercial development as well," the mayor reported. "Developers now see Indio as an attractive city to do business with and conduct business in." Among projects on the horizon are Golden Triangle Business Park, a 49,522-square-foot industrial development north of 86 Expressway on the corner of Fleming and Patton ways; Boulders West on the Parkway, a 76,200-square-foot industrial park on the southwest comer of Avenue 45 and Golf Center Parkway; The Spectrum at Shadow Hills, Guy Evans' 24-lot industrial park on the south side of Avenue 42 between Monroe and Jackson streets; Valley Children's Medical Center, an 11,312-square-foot professional office building on the southwest comer of Highway 111 and Shields Road; Walgreens at Highway 111 and Madison Street; and - a sign that Indio has come of age, according to Bethel - a Starbucks coffeehouse with a drive-through in a 5,200-square-foot, mixed-use development on Highway 111 at Monroe Street.

"Due to the increase in our housing and commercial markets, the city of Indio's budget remains strong and balanced," the mayor asserted. The current year's budget of $34.9 million represents a 30 percent increase over last's year's budget. Sales and use taxes increased $12,000 to $740,000. "Our budget not only is balanced, but we have money in the bank despite the state taking what they thought was their fair share," Bethel said. Reserves for the 2003 fiscal year were $6.8 million.

What a lot of the city's business owners and residents have wanted to know is if and when the highly promoted renovation of Old Town Indio will happen. An encouraging sign is the formation and twice-weekly meetings of a downtown task force comprised of directors in several city departments - a task force whose mission has been to formulate an "action plan and implementation schedule" for the revitalization effort.

"Our goal is to create a downtown that provides a unique urban experience, not only for our residents, but [also] for our visitors," Bethel said. "The new plan for the downtown is structured to take advantage of current assets already in the area." The mayor referred to the Larson Justice Center, with nearly 1,000 employees and thousands of visitors on a daily basis.

"Today you may see a standalone business across from the justice center drawing only a portion of the potential visitors," Bethel said. "Imagine for a moment a mixed-use development across from the justice center, a vibrant downtown with retail shops, cafes and coffee shops, maybe even a second Starbucks - all of these at sidewalk level, with professional offices above. That vision we hope will soon become a reality."

On July 7, the city's redevelopment agency issued a $29 million tax increment bond to finance infrastructure improvements and street improvements on Oasis Street, Miles Avenue, Bliss Avenue and Civic Center Drive; facade improvements on Oasis Street and Miles Avenue; mixed-use developments; housing developments; renovation of public facilities; code enforcement; blight removal; and general cleanup efforts.

The mayor said a citywide street improvement plan was "in full swing" and all major roadways could be repaved by summer 2005. The Indio Water Authority, she reported, recently began designing a 5 million gallon reservoir and plans to have another in design in the next two years. Major water lines are being upgraded and major storm drain improvements will be implemented as part of the downtown redevelopment project.

"In addition to our infrastructure, we are all very concerned about the youth of our community," Bethel said. "The city of Indio has made a commitment to our younger residents by creating a unique staff position." In addition to the January hiring of David Ison as youth coordinator, the city has created a youth master plan steering committee to outline a plan for youth activities. More than 2,750 surveys were distributed to students in grades 5 through 11; the results will be announced at a special meeting at Indio Middle School on Sept. 22 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Indio also has created a parks master plan that includes renovations of existing parks and the creation of new parks. Within the next year, the city will embark on redevelopment of Miles Avenue Park to "provide a beautiful setting for the redevelopment of the downtown," Bethel said. A soccer park is scheduled for completion after the first of the year at Date Avenue just east of Jackson Street.

With explosive growth also comes concern over public safety. The city plans three new fire stations in the northern end of Indio, where the bulk of new houses are being built.

In 2005, Indio celebrates its 75th anniversary. Yearlong festivities include a May 7 gala at Fantasy Springs Resort's forthcoming Special Events Center. "During this time, our city's rich history will be celebrated," the mayor said. "But anniversaries are not only about the past. Anniversaries also celebrate the future and focus our attention on looking forward to the next milestone. With all that has happened over the past 75 years, I can't imagine what life will be like in the city of Indio in the next 75 years. I do know one thing for sure," Bethel concluded. "In 75 years, the city of Indio will still be very strong, proud and more beautiful and vibrant than ever."