Birmingham Building Permits Rise

Building permits for new single family homes in Birmingham rose nearly 30 percent last month, said a new construction report released Wednesday.

According to the Alabama Center for Real Estate, 106 building permits were issued in November for new homes. That’s more than 29 percent over the 82 issued in the same month last year, but more than 13 percent less than the previous month. And year-to-date was down nearly 35 percent over the first 11 months of last year.

However, new home sales surged nearly 24 percent for the month in the Birmingham area and nearly 14 percent for the year. Year-to-date was down by 46 percent.

Alabama new home permits also saw a year-over-year increase. The center said 663 permits were issued last month for new homes in the state - nearly 18 percent over November 2008, but nearly 7 percent less than October.

But statewide sales surged more than 29 percent for the month and nearly 50 percent for the year.

The report also said housing inventory in Alabama’s metro areas decreased by 61 percent during November to a 5.6 month supply of new homes on the market, compared to last year’s 14.3 month supply.

The center’s prediction for 2010? “In 2010, Alabama housing starts and new construction sales are preliminarily projected to return to positive (year-over-year) growth of 10 to 15 percent.”

Work begins on new Mortimer Jordan High October 7, 2009 Section: COMMUNITY NEWS Edition: NORTH Page: 1-N LISA OSBURN News staff writer KIMBERLY

Construction has begun on the $31.2 million Mortimer Jordan High School, to be built on Bone Dry Road in Kimberly. Students and faculty are preparing for a January 2011 opening, leaving behind a building that was built in 1920, Principal Barbara Snider said. ''There are wonderful things going on at this school but we are packed to the gills,'' she said. ''Every available nook and cranny has been made a classroom. Our biggest room, I divided into three exceptional ed classrooms.'' The community celebrated a groundbreaking this week, but support for the new school has been building for months, she said. Snider said 86-year-old ladies have been calling and asking when they would receive a groundbreaking invitation. ''It is so rich in tradition here,'' she said. ''The community very much supports their school. We have over 200 members in the alumni association and they are very active.'' Although the new school will be updated with modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasiums and cafeteria and much more, a touch of the old will remain. ''We have composites from the graduating classes, back to the 1950s hanging in the halls and lunchroom,'' Snider said. ''We plan to take a lot of things with us to incorporate that in the new school.'' Although support has been strong, some people were concerned about moving Mortimer Jordan from Morris to Kimberly. And some parents questioned if the Kimberly roads could handle the school traffic. Another concern was a rumor that the school name was going to change, Snider said. ''I can guarantee that the name of the school is going to be Mortimer Jordan High School,'' she said. ''And the traffic engineers said there are plans to widen the road with turn lanes.'' The Winter Construction Company in Atlanta was awarded the contract for the school this summer. Nez Calhoun, spokeswoman for Jefferson County schools, said the project is part of the $400 million the system received in penny tax money. EMAIL: losburn@bhamnews.com

Amenities at Doss Ferry

This is the perfect time to visit Doss Ferry. Introducing Alabama's only beach-entry pool, neighborhood residents can enjoy the feeling of the beach without ever having to leave town. With our new community clubhouse and amenities, Doss Ferry is your lifestyle destination...schedule a tour today!

• Clubhouse – Thinking of entertaining? The clubhouse will feature a full kitchen adjacent to the Grand Hall. This provides a great location for teas, parties, and community functions. Click here to get an "inside peek."
  
  
• Exercise Studio – Our clubhouse will also have an exercise studio with some of the latest and greatest equipment. Check this out…Each treadmill will have its own fan and television, including cable! Click here to "get moving."

• Beach Entry Pool – Venture outside the clubhouse to enjoy our beautiful, beach entry pool with a water feature for the children. Adjacent to the main pool is a tot pool for our youngest water lovers. Be sure and take a peek at the kid-friendly mosaic on the bottom.

• Children’s Playground – Our playground has all the things that children will love…Climbing walls, swings, slides, etc. Great care was taken to design with ADA Guidelines (Americans with Disabilities Act). View our children's playgound.

• Exercise Track – Feeling the need for fresh air? Then take a stroll around our outdoor exercise track. This track will circle the recreation field and playground.

• Walking Trail to the Banks of the Warrior River – The exercise track is great, but if you are in the mood for getting closer to nature, you may want to take a scenic walk to the Warrior River. This trail is one-half mile each way.

• Recreation Field – This large grassy field is perfect for backyard football games, kite flying, or even tossing a frisbee.

• Movies in the Park – We have made provisions to add power in the park, so that in the future, we can have summer movies in the park.
  
  
• On-Q Entertainment Packages