James F. Abromaitis

Commissioner James F. Abromaitis of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development recently announced that Connecticut communities authorized 829 new housing units in December of last year, a 37 percent increase compared to December of 2002 when 605 units were authorized.

The department also noted that the 829 units represent an 8.2 percent increase from the 766 units permitted in November 2003. The year-to-date permits are up 3.9 percent from 9,607 through December 2002 to 9,985 through December 2003.

“The 9,985 permits issued represent the highest permit total since 1999 and the third highest since 1989,” said Abromaitis. “Connecticut’s housing market continues to be a solid performer and a major economic driver for the state.”

From a county perspective, New London, Hartford and New Haven counties had year-to-date gains of 22.9 percent, 11.3 percent and 8 percent, respectively. New London led all municipalities with 48 new units, followed by Milford with 37 and Danbury with 34.

Cities and towns are required by the U.S. Bureau of Census to report new residential permits on a monthly basis. The data is then compiled and transmitted electronically from the bureau to DECD.