By PETER HUSSMANN
Building activity in Newton in October dropped by about one-third from the previous month's level with only four construction permits taken out with a total value of just under $400,000, statistics released by city officials indicate.
October's building activity was lead by two non-residential remodeling projects totaling $363,115. A residential remodeling permit and a residential garage project added another $30,000 in value for the month bringing the total to $393,366.
In September, 18 building permits were issued - the highest number for the year - with a value of $1.26 million, the second highest value level of the year. The month's building activity was lead by building permits for the construction of seven duplexes on First Street South with a value of $1.085 million. That value was the highest recorded in Newton since February 2006.
Year-to-date, the city has issued 85 building permits with a total valuation of $7.67 million.
