Escalon is experiencing an upturn in growth, both in business and residential areas.

Among the projects nearing completion or at least in progress are the Dollar General Store on McHenry Avenue, which should be opening in a few weeks, while plans are also in place for the relocation of Rite Aid from its Jackson Avenue location to the corner of California and Stanislaus. Included in that move will be the addition of a drive-thru pharmacy at the new location.

The former pet and car wash near the corner of Ullrey and McHenry is being demolished and that site is being prepped for a Dollar Tree, with developers due to submit plans soon.

On the residential side, 27 new homes are being constructed and an apartment complex plan remains under review at the Planning Commission and City Council level.

Interim City Manager Tammy Alcantor said the projects are a good sign for the city, with funds coming in from developer fees and the addition of new businesses also reason for optimism. She was also due to present her mid-year budget review for the council this week and said preliminary figures look good, with the city on track to staying within the budget through the end of fiscal year 2013-14.