The Ellis County Press: Midlothian: Leading the way in economic growth Midlothian: Leading the way in economic growth ================================================================================ Megan Gray on 09/16/2010 12:43:00 MIDLOTHIAN – This January the city of Midlothian suspended impact fees required for single family house construction during a 12 month period lowering the cost of constructing a new home in the city by as much as $5,209. Forty-two percent of all new single-family home construction in Ellis County during the month of July were in Mid-lothian, according to Midlothian City Manager Don Hastings. "The impact fee abatement program has contributed greatly to our city’s achievements in increasing market share of single-family homes," said Hastings. "Based on the rates of new home construction throughout the region, we can point to this program as a key element in the growth of quality housing in our community." "In a recessionary economic climate, our new home construction fell to 108 total starts in 2009," said Councilman Bill Houston. "As of July 31, the city has already issued 106 single family building permits, putting us on pace to reach 180 by the end of 2010." The estimated average of new single family homes has risen nearly five percent in the city according to a press release issued on the matter. Earlier this year, the city of Midlothian was honored with the Spotlight Award presented by the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, presented annually to a community whose policies and actions reflect an innovative approach to providing for the housing needs of the entire community.