Celina's rapid growth prompts business boom and $2.3 billion school bond proposal
At Mangiamo Italian Market and Deli in Celina, business is cooking.
"We opened on January 24 of this year, but we have seen a big boom in just that short amount of time," said Jason Algiere, the owner of the deli.
Celina's growth spurs expansion
Celina is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with nearly 800 people moving here every month.
According to Census data, its population has nearly tripled since the pandemic. The city expects the population to double within five years, which is why Celina ISD is proposing a $2.3 billion bond package, hoping to bring 10 new schools to the area, as well as upgrades and renovations to existing facilities. Early voting on the bond and other issues begins April 22.
"I can't even tell you how many people come in that are looking at the area, so they're here, take a couple days vacation, they want to check it out, they're looking at houses, they're looking at businesses downtown," Algiere said.
Top-notch schools attract families
Realtors like Megan Manganilla and Christy Williamson said the schools in Celina are attracting attention.
"Cause our schools all around here in North Texas are known for being top-notch, so I think that's another reason with the bond that's so important is we want to keep those schools being top-notch," said Manganilla.
Retail growth fuels expansion
If approved by voters on May 3, the district insists the bond package wouldn't increase the current tax rates. Manganilla and Williamson said families are also looking for more rural lifestyles and communities to settle down in. Williamson added that this is about building up Celina for the future.
"Other than just families moving in, we got a lot of retail growth coming. Costco just moved in, we just did a groundbreaking for the new Celina Walmart," Williamson said. "Big, exciting things are happening here and have been happening."
Voters hope to preserve charm
As voters began voting on the bond on Tuesday, those like Algiere just hope Celina doesn't lose its charm.
"I think that if it stays the way it's going right now with keeping that small-town mentality, then I say bring on all the growth we can," he said.
