Dalton Gardens: Keeping it rural in '22
A southbound driver passes a newly installed stop sign at 15th Street and Deerhaven Avenue in Dalton Gardens in April. Traffic woes will continue to be a hot topic in Dalton Gardens in the year ahead, as well as preserving town character and government transparency.
BILL BULEY/Press File
DALTON GARDENS — A rural community between two urban communities, Dalton Gardens has a unique identity that features dark skies at night and roosters crowing in the morning.
In the coming year, its leaders aim to maintain the special personality of this small municipality.
"This feel is what draws people to Dalton Gardens and we plan to keep it that way," incoming Dalton Gardens City Councilman Tyler Drechsel told The Press.
Dalton's incoming leaders have goals of municipal preservation and government transparency at the forefront in 2022.
"The citizens will see a more transparent form of government where the voices are heard as a whole with decisions based on the majority and not personal agendas," Drechsel said. "We will focus on fiscal responsibility and teamwork as we move into the future."
Drechsel said he and incoming Dalton Gardens Councilman Scott "Scooter" Jordan share the same views on what lies ahead for Dalton. Jordan was unable to personally respond to Press inquiries.
Drechsel said traffic will be one of the top priorities moving into the new year.
"As in many parts of our community, traffic is a big issue. In particular, excessive speed seems to be the biggest issue plaguing Dalton Gardens," Drechsel said. "We desire stronger enforcement of the posted speed limits, in turn making for a safer walkable community. We will be working with local law enforcement to look at options to enforce the posted speed limits and keep the residents safe."
Population growth won't be changing Dalton's landscape much in the near future, as it has few buildable lots left.
"We love the rural feel and want to keep it that way," Drechsel said. "The city code regulates lot size and frontage requirements for new construction and we will strive to make sure code changes do not occur that are contrary to the rural feel we all love."
Drechsel said a hope for the future of Dalton Gardens is to "find unity in our community and bring back the rural neighborhood that has brought so many people to Dalton Gardens."
"We love where we live, and I want to see that maintained for future generations in Dalton Gardens," Drechsel said.
Dalton Gardens Mayor Dan Edwards did not return multiple requests for comment.