Baxter Looks to Double City Population in 2019

Baxter City officials hope to double or triple the city population before the 2020 census.

Mayor John Martin said Baxter will continue to talk with housing developers.

“We are still looking at the Titan Project, which possibly if all that works out, will be 360 apartments,” Martin said. “The statement I made, if everything works the way we hope it goes, we will double or triple the population of the City of Baxter.”

The City of Baxter may double or triple its population in the coming year.

Zoning Codes Officer Bob Lane said the city added approximately 80 houses last year.

“We have eight houses in the city either under construction or getting ready to start at this time,” Lane said. “Eight new ones, either finishing or framing or getting ready. They bought their permits and getting started.”

Martin said possible subdivision projects within the city will add some 192 houses, with apartment buildings adding upwards of 40 living spaces.

Martin said housing development stems from new businesses but also causes businesses to invest in Baxter.

“I think a lot is coming with because we are going to have different businesses coming in,” Martin said. “Restaurants and just like the T-Mart opening and the NAPA store. We are working on a lot of different things that are coming to Baxter.”

Martin said the construction of the Portobello America Headquarters calls for more housing opportunities.

“Well, people are going to come because of Portobello, the big plant, that’s one reason so many people are getting on board with wanting to build homes here,” Martin said. “Because the plant is going to employ some 250 people, they have to have a place to live. ”

The Baxter City Council discussed housing development at the regular meeting Thursday.