A small new housing subdivision that’s proposed for southeast Newton is making its way through the City of Newton’s approval process. Varsha Borde, Senior City Planner for Newton, says the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing last week to review a minor plat for an eight lot subdivision at 501 East 19th Street South. The subdivision, called Whispering Pines Estates, has been proposed by President of Griffith Home Builders of Kellogg Chuck Griffith. According to Borde, the Planning and Zoning  Commissioners evaluated the subdivision and discussed whether it conforms to the zoning and subdivision codes and the adopted comprehensive plan. She adds no neighbors or citizens expressed any concerns, and the minor plat was approved by the Commission with no changes. The new housing subdivision is now scheduled to go before the Newton City Council on April 7th for their approval.

According to Newton Housing Development Corporation, eight different builders are currently constructing new single family homes and duplexes in a Home Owners Association and rental properties in Newton. Housing Director for the Newton Housing Development Corporation Bruce Showalter says some of the newly constructed residences are finished and ready to sell, while others will be done in the spring.