Increase in new housing starts

GAINESVILLE - The number of permits issued last month for new, single-family homes in Hall County increased while the number approved for new dwellings in the city declined.

Between the city of Gainesville and Hall County there were 147 such permits approved in July. That compares to 107 in June.

Meanwhile, "commercial additions and renovations" continued as a strong segment of the building industry in the Gainesville area with 24 projects okayed in July which are expected to cost nearly six million dollars.