As the temperature increases with summer’s onset, so too is cityconstruction activity, said Brookhaven Building Inspector SteveMoreton.

“It’s hot and dry and time to build,” Moreton said.

Moreton cited building permits issued for approximately $2.5million in commercial and residential construction in recentmonths. There have been discussions about other projects, butpermits for those have not been issued, he said.

A certificate of occupancy was issued Wednesday for Blockbuster,Moreton said, and the new video rental store opened this weekend.Moreton said construction costs for the approximately 3,500 squarefoot store totaled $140,000.

Also on Brookway Boulevard, a building permit for a strip mallnear the Cracker Barrel was issued June 11. Moreton saidcontractors R.K. Wallace had been doing site work since April andthe total project, including the land and the building, wasestimated at $700,000.

“That’s probably one of the most drastic site work projectswe’ve had in a while,” said Moreton, mentioning drainage andfoundation work that needed to be done.

CiCi’s Pizza will be the anchor for the mall, Moreton said. Themall is being constructed to accommodate two or three othertenants, but those have not been determined.

“Whether they come up with anything else in the food line, Idon’t know,” Moreton said.

Also nearby, Sandy Sims is working on an estimated $28,000shaved ice snow cone stand that will also feature a number of otherfood items. Sims said he hopes to open the business, located infront of the new Fred’s, in about three weeks.

Elsewhere, State Bank is in the process of remodeling its mainoffice. Moreton said Paul Jackson and Son contractors had beenissued a permit for that $75,000 project.

Across the railroad tracks, the Federal Land Bank has moved intoits new office that was once Abrams Mercantile. The land bank hadpreviously been on South Railroad Avenue near State Bank.

“It’s nice,” Moreton said of the bank’s new office.

On Brookhaven Street, a building permit was issued June 14 forthe new Scrub A Dub Car Wash. Moreton said Andrew Hickman isdeveloping the approximately $225,000 facility.

“It’s supposed to be state of the art, and they’re doing atremendous landscaping plan,” Moreton said.’

In the industrial park, Moreton mentioned a terminal buildingfor new industry EPCO. That project is estimated at $150,000.

Activity is not limited to commercial interests.

“Residential has picked up,” Moreton said.

Moreton said permits have been issued for 13 homes totaling$1.27 million since May 1. He said the homes, which included nogovernment-assisted Rural Development projects, averaged $98,000and he attributed the activity to lower interest rates.

Other building activity remains in the planning stages or justbeyond, Moreton said.

On Highway 51 near the hospital, Moreton said some outdoor signand land issues had been resolved. He expected a building permitfor Quality Home Oxygen to be issued soon.

“It’s probably going to be done next week,” Moreton said.

Following an early April fire that damaged part of therestaurant, McDonald’s officials have changed their plans regardingthe over 20-year-old building on Brookway Boulevard.

A remodeling was planned, but now the building will bedemolished and a new building constructed under current McDonald’sstandards. Moreton estimated work to begin in a few weeks, but abuilding permit has yet to be issued.

“They’re going to strip that site and start over,” Moretonsaid.

Moreton said contractors have benefited from recent good weatherwhile they pursue their various building projects. He anticipatedthat trend continuing as summer arrives.

“Once they get them out of the ground, they’re good to go,”Moreton said. “It’s been excellent weather for contractors towork.”