By Shawn Jeffords, The Observer www.theobserver.ca
A new affordable housing project has given a boost to Sarnia’s building permit numbers.
The $8.9-million project at the former Marshall Gowland Manor site on Maxwell Street capped a busy month in July.
More than $15.4 million in building permits were issued last month, raising the value of construction this year to $57.9 million. “It’s very impressive,” said Mayor Mike Bradley. “It’s a good balance.” Permits for single-f amily dwellings also grew, with 17 new homes under construction. That brings the year’s total to 95 permits, compared to 63 at this time last year.
“Single-family homes impact everything from real estate to retail,” Bradley said. “There’s a tremendous spin off.”
Permits were also issued for a new Goodwill store and used clothing drop off centre on Michigan Avenue, worth more than $1.4 million. Bradley said the tally could reach $100 million because there are several major projects that haven’t yet applied for a permit. The new art gallery and the Lowe’s project are still in the early stages.
“It looks very positive to get there,” he said. “The last three or four years have been record years for the city.”
Observer Article ID# 2697360
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