She said that, because of Lakeville's attractiveness, more businesses could come into the area, but strict zoning laws help keep the town from outgrowing its small-town charm. The town's population grew 13.95 percent from 4,496 in 1990 to 5,123 in 2000. But, unlike the surrounding suburban towns, Marion also has a racially diverse population, with nearly 10 percent of residents listing themselves as a race other than white. No one has ever thought of this as diversity. These are people I grew up with and knew all my life.
People look from outside and expect to see something different.
Marion's greatest challenge in the coming decade, Mr. Winters said, will be managing growth. The census just confirms what we've suspected. And, according to Town Clerk Lois Ennis, this moderate growth will have a major impact on the town. If the population had remained below 6,000, this wouldn't have been necessary. This is not good news.