New Home Building Permits On the Rise for Smyrna

The city of Smyrna is reporting a dramatic increase in the number of new home permits issued when compared to previous years. Is this a sign that things are looking up? Smyrna’s director of community development thinks so.

“At least in Smyrna, things are coming back,” said Ken Suddreth.

The community development department issued 70 new home permits in the first four months of 2012 compared to 38 for the same time period in 2011 and 21 for 2010.

“The interesting thing about the numbers I’m giving you from 2012 is it’s not just one or two subdivisions that someone picked up and is finishing out,” he said. “It actually involves 11 different subdivisions, which is good because it’s spread out.”

Suddreth said developers are beginning to build out subdivisions that stalled when the economy collapsed in 2008. Some of the subdivisions seeing growth are Oakdale Ridge, Sherwood Park, Woodbridge Crossing, and Riley’s Walk.

And the trend doesn’t show signs of stopping yet.

“Obviously in four months we hit 70 permits and last year we did 111 for the whole year,” he said. “Of what I am willing to say is that the trend over the last nine months and in particular this first four-and-a-half months is going to continue. So yes, it’s easy to say yes we’re going to exceed last year’s number, but I don’t know by how much.”

The city also reported an increase in commercial building permits, inspections and number of sites visited.

Are you seeing signs the economy is improving in Smyrna-Vinings? Tell us in the comments.