Understanding 'Burgeoning' in Context

In the quaint village of Eldermere, the townsfolk often gathered at the edge of the shimmering lake to discuss their daily lives. Recently, however, the atmosphere has been marred by a sense of discontent. One evening, as twilight painted the sky in hues of purple and orange, the mayor addressed the crowd with a troubled expression. "We cannot ignore the burgeoning discord that has seeped into our community. It is imperative that we rekindle the spirit of harmony and collaboration that once defined our village. Let us take heed of our frailties and work together towards a unified purpose." Amidst the murmurs, an elderly woman spoke softly, "It is the discontent that drives us apart. We must not let it fester."

In this passage, what does the word “burgeoning” most closely mean in this context?