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The opportunities are endless for the small city of Santaquin. Planners are asking for residents' opinions Thursday as they define the future of the city's growth.

"We're looking at it right now because Santaquin City is in a very large growth spurt," Mayor James DeGraffenried said. "We need to put our plan together to help our city become more than a hodge-podge city."

There are 2,200 homes in the city, with a population of 6,900. Two developments, however, are set to almost triple that number in the next decade. Summit Ridge, on the south end, plans to build 2,500 homes in the next 10 years, as well as bring some commercial business to the area. On the north end, the Orchards development will build 1,500 homes in the next five years.

"In 10-15 years, we'll definitely have a lot more housing, but we also have opportunities to preserve some of the agriculture heritage around us as well as capitalizing on some of the equestrian opportunities and trails around the city," said city planner Dennis Marker.

The city is pushing for a grocery store, something that residents say they need. DeGraffenried said that he is actively seeking businesses to come to the city.

"It would be nice to see some more business come in so we don't have to go to Payson," resident Steve Chandler said. Payson is the closest city with a grocery store, but Chandler, who has lived in Santaquin for a year, said that he also makes the drive to Spanish Fork to do light shopping.

The Santaquin Chamber of Commerce say the more commercial development, the better.

"We have actually quite a lot of small businesses and we could use some big business," Kae Bean, public relations chairwoman for the chamber, said. "I think we could use some industrial-type businesses that could bring some jobs."

Residents won't have to worry too much about skyscrapers, though the debate to put sidewalks along roads may come up. Some don't like sidewalks because it takes away the rural feel.

"Many people come down here because of the orchards and the rural atmosphere," Marker said. "We're trying to preserve that as best we can."

Plans for city trails and equestrian parks are in the works, as is protection foragricultural land. DeGraffenried said the city's prized cherries will definitely be protected as the city grows.

Marker said that a problem comes with pleasing both longtime and new residents of Santaquin. The new developments will also bring a lot of families and traffic, which increases the need for schools and sidewalks for safety.

"The people that have lived here forever, they want to know when we're gong to have sidewalks, when we're going to have additional schools for our children," Marker said.

Traffic management will also be looked at. Resident Sandi Noyes is hoping for a traffic light on Main Street.

"I'd tell them I'd like to alleviate the traffic," she said.

Residents can offer their input to city planners at the meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday night. It will be at the city building, 45 W. 100 South in Santaquin.

Natalie Andrews is available at 344-2561 or nandrews@heraldextra.com.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D1.