Canton in Top 10 for New Residential Construction in 2012

Southeastern Michigan finished 2012 with a total of 5,577 new residential building permits issued - an 18 percent increase over 2011, according to new data released by the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments.

Canton was among the Top 10 communities for both total permits issued and single-family permits issued in 2012. The permits cover new construction of single family homes, condominiums and apartment units. 

According to the council, Canton issued 204 permits in 2012, 79 permits in 2011 and 47 permits in 2010. 

Canton Supervisor Phil LaJoy said the data is great news for the community. 

"I've always been a believer that Canton is a community to live in addition to just sleep in," he said. "There are a lot of pluses moving into Canton - we're a safe community, we have a great school district and then you add all of the amenities, the arts, the athletic programs and etcetera. It's a very family-oriented community. It has all the ingredients for people to live here."

LaJoy added that with new home construction, the township is able to tax the sale price instead of waiting for taxable values on existing homes to rise after dropping significantly and suddenly during the recent recession. 

It was the third year in a row for gains in residential construction. Since hitting the bottom in 2009, issued permits have more than tripled in number, according to the council. 

2012 Top 10 Communities

Total Permits Issued