PLANT AND HOME CONSTRUCTION LEAD TO $4 MILLION IN BUILDING PERMITS

Frank Wagner June 3, 2014

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Construction has begun on a major manufacturing plant in Brenham and that has contributed to another big boost in building permits for the city in May.

KDW Construction was given a $2.8 millon building permit for the construction of the Precision Polymers Plant in the Brenham Business Park in the 3200 block of South Blue Bell Road. That was a major factor in the city’s issuance of $4.07 million permits last month.

That, along with the continued development of the Ralston Creek Subdivision pushed the city past the $15 million in construction permits for the city so far this year. Last year at this time the city had only issued about $4 million in building permits. That number only rose after the Brenham school district began construction of the new Alton Elementary School and the renovations of the middle school.

Clint Kolby, the project manager for the Economic Development Foundation , says the city’s industrial development and housing construction are related, and a reflection of a healthier local economy.

The Brenham City Council issued a tax abatement for PPE in January. This British based corporation makes rubber products. They plan on employing 22 workers after the first year and eventually have 60 workers. The total capital investment is $11.3 million. The contribution to the city’s economy will continue after that with larger workforce contributing well over a million dollars in the total payroll. PPE will also pay over $1.1 million in property taxes for its 30,000 square foot manufacturing plant.

The city issued six permits to Stylecraf Builders as they continue to construct homes in the Ralston Creek Subdivision. The total permits for this subdivision in May totaled over $550,000. Sylecraft is building at least 76 housing units in the area of Gun and Rod and South Blue Bell Road