Construction of homes, condos continues to boom in township

Apartment and commercial construction, however, is down this year.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- People wanting a home of their own continue to look at Howland Township as a place to build.
"Interest rates have been low. People want to get in on those lower-rate loans," says Mark Zuppo Jr., township planning and zoning administrator.
During the first 11 months of this year, construction of single-family houses and condominiums is running about $2 million ahead of 2004's figures.
Zuppo pointed out that 71 permits have been taken out this year for nearly $12.4 million in new home construction. In all of 2004, 60 permits were issued for single-family homes with a valuation of $10.3 million.
Builders are taking out permits for houses that cost $200,000 to $400,000, while condos are in the $90,000 to $200,000 range.
Zuppo said one of the hottest developments for construction is the Sanctuary at Forest Hills on the south side of Howland Springs Road. It's named after a private wildlife sanctuary across the road.
Another development that is gaining attention, Zuppo explained, is the Seasons on the west side of state Route 46, just south of the Howland-Bazetta Township line.
Homes to be added
Condos are there now; single-family homes will be added, he said.
Residential growth in southern Bazetta Township is adding to increased traffic and the need for retail businesses in Howland, Zuppo said.
Zuppo said that residents are also keeping up their properties.
Residential additions have increased from $644,551 in 2004 to $1.1 million so far this year. In 2003, there was $713,262 worth of residential additions.
Homeowners are upgrading their properties for the most part, adding to the tax base, Zuppo explained.
The exceptions are in the Morgandale area in the northwest section near the industrial heart of the township; and the Bolindale area in the southwest, south of U.S. Route 422.
Zuppo said the township hasn't fully invested in the two areas, and he hopes state Issue 2 funds can be used to improve the infrastructure.
For now, he noted, the township is trying to "protect the interior" of the community.
The number of permits issued for high-end apartments has fallen off, but Zuppo said the apartments planned in 2004 were built this year. So far this year there has been $1,980,000 worth of permits taken out, compared with $3,150,000 last year.
One of the reasons, he explained, is that developers have told him that temporary and contract workers from outside the area stay in the more expensive apartments. This is especially true for those working at General Motors Corp. and Delphi Packard Electric Systems. Whether the trend continues depends on the economic viability of these companies.
Valuation is down
Like apartments, the valuation of new commercial construction is down from $6 million in 2004 to nearly $4 million so far this year.
He pointed out that 2004 was a "hot year," and the buildings were constructed this year. This year's level is more in line with 2003.
Zuppo uses two commercial buildings of 10,000 square feet each at Route 46 and King Graves Road as examples of the type of commercial construction the township is seeking.
"I think they have done a real nice job," Zuppo said of Butler-Wick Trust Co. that is developing the area. "It's well planned out and coordinated."
The administrator said Butler-Wick is looking to build three more buildings to house office space as an investment.