Palmdale Is in Growth Mode

Your Dec . 2 article “Palmdale’s Growth Leaves Downtown Behind” was informative, addressed several concerns in detail, but was unfinished in the topic of current growth, planned redevelopment projects and our very successful forward - thinking community.

Palmdale was the fastest-growing community in the state of California in the last decade, with a 432% population increase which outnumbered 451 communities.

Palmdale hosts the Antelope Valley’s first regional shopping mall and the Antelope Valley’s first 64-acre auto center. The aerospace industry, which has been our foundation for growth, has also been solidified in recent years by our commercial, industrial and retail growth.

As the public’s demand for expanded products, higher density parking, upgraded shopping and service locations increases, Palmdale (like all other high-growth communities) is in the very midst of what most communities crave to be in.

We agree with city officials that “they don’t believe that the new regional mall along the freeway has harmed downtown.” We have several hundred businesses, small and large, on Palmdale Boulevard from 10th Street West to 35th Street East that are alive and well and advertising for more business.

Less than 10 years ago, all we had to offer was our “downtown area.” Now the 1990s find us in demand by young families to relocate their homes, major corporations and industries to relocate and land investors who contact our realty and chamber offices daily.

An indication of our business climate is reflected in our record number of new members (27) in one month, for the month of October, 1991, proving that all clouds do not produce rain.

We invite any and all inquiries to our Palmdale Chamber of Commerce office. We’re very easy to find; we are right in the middle of downtown Palmdale.

DAVID K. AAKER, Palmdale