CANFIELD TOWNSHIP Fewer, but more expensive, houses are springing up

CANFIELD -- Fewer homes are being built in Canfield this year, but the ones that are being built are more expensive.
At Monday's Canfield Township trustees' meeting, Zoning Inspector Dave Morrison reported that permits have been issued for 13 new single-family residences with an estimated value of $7.6 million.
For the same period in 2004, permits were issued for 21 single-family home with a value of $5.6 million.
The township also has seen growth in multifamily housing.
"We had quite a run of multifamily in January," Morrison told the trustees.
In other township business, it's official: Wal-Mart isn't coming to Canfield. Chairman William Reese told the trustees that he has heard persistent rumors that the retail giant is considering a move to Canfield, but he has spoken to several property owners who say they have turned down offers.
"That's good news," Reese said. "I don't welcome Wal-Mart. Too many problems come with them."
The trustees also voted 2-1 for Road Supervisor Gary Cook to spend $581 for a radio and $500 for lettering for a new township truck and snowplow that will be delivered this year. Reese and Trustee Paul Moracco voted for the expense; Trustee Judith Bayus said she did not vote for the original purchase of the truck, so she would not vote for the radio and lettering.