Construction Up In Tulare County
New home construction in Tulare County picked up in 2012 according to figures provided by Construction Monitor. For 2012,permits for 547 news homes were issued vs 291 for all of 2011. That remains a fraction of what was permitted annually in Tulare County a few years back. Commercial permits for all building projects tripled in value in 2012 compared to the year before with permits valued at $129.7 million in 2012 vs $40.4 million for 2011. The top home builders in the county for 2012 were Lennar with 101 units,Woodside with 71 and local firm Smee Builders with 61 homes.
Bank Merger Would Axe Northside Branch.
Fresno-based Central Valley Community Bank’s application to purchase Visalia Community Bank asks for FDIC permission to eliminate VCB’s current north side location at 2136 N Dinuba Blvd. The federal agency is receiving comment on the plan until March 11. Comments can be sent to FDIC,25 Jessie St at Ecker Square,Suite 2300 San Francisco, Ca 94105.
Thirteen Visalia Schools Go Solar
With a $4 million boost from voters who passed Measure E, Visalia Unified will install solar powered shade structures over walkways and parking lots at 13 local schools this summer. The solar panels will also generate big savings over the next 25 years says Assistant Superintendent Robert Groeber noting the project will be a “win win” for all with a nearly $2 million rebate and long term savings that could reach $22 million. Construction value on the project is $10 million.
COS Plans Summer School
Passage of Prop 30 last November and local cuts have helped College of the Sequoias to plan to restore summer school after a two year lapse says superintendent Stan Carrizosa. Some 50 classes will be offered.
Walmart Hiring 65 For New Market
Walmart is ready to unveil its third store in town, a supermarket built at the corner of Demaree and Houston that will open in mid-March says spokesperson Delia Garcia. Also, the city is near to publishing a final EIR to expand the Noble Ave Walmart to sell groceries after they were challenged over the plan in court.