While slowed some by recent inclement weather, officials saidlocal construction activity has maintained a good pace with someprojects recently being completed.

Brookhaven Building Inspector Steve Moreton said severalcommercial buildings wrapped up work over the last few weeks.

Moreton mentioned the Walgreens and the new Castles on BrookwayBoulevard and a new dentist’s office on Highway 51 at NatchezAvenue. He also touted activity at the new Brookhill on NatchezAvenue recreational club.

“It’s coming along,” Moreton said. “Another week or so onlandscaping and it’s going to be pretty.”

As some commercial projects are finishing up, Moreton saidresidential activity is progressing. He alluded to housingconstruction activity on Dogwood Lane, in Fisher Park on HalbertHeights Road and on Larkspur Lane, among others around thecity.

In a related area, Moreton cited several church projects thatare under way or have been completed. Those include a family lifecenter at Southway Baptist Church, a covered parking area for FirstBaptist Church’s motor home and a classroom-office addition atBethel AME Church.

Remodeling or renovation projects are occupying localdevelopers’ and contractors’ time as well.

The former Christian book store on South Railroad Avenue isbeing renovated for the Boerner Law Firm. On West Cherokee Street,Engravables is renovating the former Castles and contractorsstarted work this week on facade removal to address some waterconcerns at the Haven, home of Brookhaven Little Theatre.

Industrial activity also remains strong. City officials areworking with Cortez Byrd and Sola Fide on two projects that havereceived state grant funding assistance.

Moreton and Chandler Russ, Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber ofCommerce executive vice-president, said the future for newconstruction activity looks good.

“There’s a lot of commercial discussions going on now,” Russsaid. “I expect commercial activity to pick up tremendously.”

Russ said the projects are in the new food and retail areas,although he could not discuss specifics. Moreton also was not ableto divulge details.

“There’s a few things on the drawing board and some verypreliminary projects,” he said.

Recently, Russ said there are about 10 industrial prospectsconsidering Brookhaven as a new home. He said the chamber isdiligently pursuing those possibilities.

“It’s been the busiest it’s ever been, as far as commercial andindustrial prospects, in the four years I’ve been here,” Russsaid.