HIDALGO — The mayor here touted commercial and residential growth during the State of the City address Tuesday morning.
“We’re doing good. Good things are happening in Hidalgo,” Mayor Martin Cepeda said. “We have to stay with a positive attitude.”
Cepeda, who was the first mayor in the city’s history to organize this type of event, told the audience of about 300 people that Hidalgo is reaching new levels as more and more economic development occurs throughout the city.
“People want to invest in our community and want to live in our community,” he said. “Our tax base is growing.”
He touted the opening of several businesses, including Wal-Mart and Buffalo Wings and Rings, and said residential permits are also on the rise.
“We’ve had three apartment complexes built, and the fourth is on the way,” he said. “I would venture to say we had a good 30 percent increase in residential permits.”
City officials are also currently working with two investors — one from Mexico and one from Los Angeles — to continue to develop land.
One location that is being looked at is a 130-acre area in front of State Farm Arena, where Tuesday’s event was held.
Investors are toying with the idea of building a subdivision at the end of the property with a commercial space in front, Cepeda said. The commercial portion could include restaurants, retail and even a hotel.
Cepeda said the city will continue to work with the interested parties to solidify the plans.
“We’ve come a long way since I started,” he said. “We’re moving forward together.”
