If you haven’t skipped ahead to read my column, you’ve noticed a number of stories about projects and plans for 2014 in this edition. The focus this week is to better inform the public on what they should see in the next 12 months. I don’t want to rehash what has been written, but the upcoming year has many exciting developments both planned and currently underway.
One aspect that hasn’t been written about but will have a huge impact on our community is the number of building permits issued in 2013. Why does that matter in 2014? Because while the permits were issued in 2013 – and even 2012 in some instances – the actual development should begin this year.
To no one’s surprise, Noblesville has seen a steady growth of residents for years and the increase in housing options and subdivisions will ensure that number continues to climb. As of November, the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis reported 1,772 permits were issued in Hamilton County.
During his State of the City Address to the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 25, Mayor John Ditslear said 351 single family permits have been issued with estimations to exceed 400 by the end of 2013.
“Given the positive reports about the housing market, we fully expect to surpass last year’s permit count,” Ditslear said.
An increase in the housing market does mean more people and more traffic. On the positive side, construction means more job opportunities and taxes. Also, more homeowners in the city means more property taxes – so if government entities keep budgets marginally close to previous years we will all pay a little less. What’s not to like about that?