Government: Community experiences growing pains

“I think any time there is professional growth in the community and an addition to the work force, that is never a negative thing. Personally, I enjoy the learning environment.”

Belton city manager Sam Listi agrees with Eakin that the additions to UMHB and the chance for potential educational development are beneficial to the city.

“(The university) is an asset to the community and a partner to Belton,” he said. “When something builds up on campus, it makes our community more than we are. It provides resources and educational enhancement opportunities.”

The city has even helped the university open up the campus grounds to the community so more people can take advantage of the school’s learning prospects.

“We helped redo the university’s entrance,” he said. “We helped with the brick work. It was a joint project between UMHB and the city.”

Although some Belton residents have resisted the school’s growth, Belton police officer Gatewood said it is the small town mentality that has raised the most concerns. Some are worried they’ll be pushed out by big business.

“It’s no different than Wal- Mart or the big HEB that’s trying to come in,” he said. “Every time you have something growing, that means they have to expand.”