MINOT – In his report to the Planning Board, Code Enforcement Officer Ken Pratt said Tuesday night that the town has experienced a marked dip in construction activity this year.

“The number of permits issued for new houses is down considerably from what it has been the last five or six years,” said Pratt.

Pratt noted that the number of permits for new houses had been remarkably stable, running consistently between 25 and 30 a year.

“So far this year, we’re down to 13 new houses,” said Pratt.

Acknowledging that he may see requests for a few more permits as the year winds down, Pratt said it appears the rate of growth will work out at about half of what it has been.

In other business, the board concluded the public hearing portion in its consideration of the Woodward Farm subdivision after hearing from only one neighbor of the proposed three-lot development.

After viewing the plans, the neighbor stated that he was satisfied the area being developed was uphill of some wetlands.

Speaking for owner/developer Howard Woodward, Peter Wallingford explained that Woodward was retaining the lowest part of the property, that closest to Death Valley Road.

Planning Board members noted that the proposed subdivision’s lowest lot is somewhat impacted by wetlands and put off final consideration until after it receives plans that clearly delineate area wetlands.

Board Chairman John Geismar said the board will require that any building on the lot be set back at least 75 feet from the wetland.

Wallingford said he hoped to provide a detailed wetland map for the board at its Nov. 7 meeting.

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