Newton Housing Development Corporation Housing Director Bruce Showalter expects that many new homes will be added to the community before the end of the year. Showalter has led the NHDC for about nine years, and he shared his optimism with the Newton City Council this week.

“We are anticipating a very good year this year in housing, probably one of the best we’ve had since I started in 2016, if everything continues as it looks like it is right now.”

Showalter says permits were issued for the construction of 15 new single family homes in Newton last year. He anticipates that number will climb to 20 this year in the Arbor Estates subdivision alone. Currently, seven different homebuilders are constructing 12 houses in Arbor Estates, while three others are purchasing lots elsewhere in the city. Showalter says a homebuilder purchased the last ten lots available in the 30 lot Arbor Estates First Edition last week. He adds the builder is new to Newton, and will begin construction on five new homes soon. Twelve lots are still available in the 28 lot Arbor Estates Second Edition, and Showalter believes work will soon begin to create a third addition to Arbor Estates.