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Bel Aire’s housing market heats up 
By David Dinell
Last Updated: May 07, 2015

Spring is traditionally the time of year for increased activity in the housing market — and this year is no exception in Bel Aire. April was a particularly active month as the city recorded permits for 16 new housing starts with a total value of more than $3 million, according to City Administrator Ty Lasher, who reported the figures at the May 5 city council meeting. 

If that pace continues, Bel Aire could surpass its yearly average new home starts of 60 to 70 units, Lasher added. 

It's exactly the news the city council and Mayor David Austin like to hear. Austin ran for re-election on a platform of growth and development, especially since it brings in new taxpayers. 

The permitting process brings in new revenue, too, as it costs about $4,000 in city fees to build a $250,000 house. Those fees are for permits, inspections and water and sewer hook-ups. The homes are in a variety of prices ranging from $170,000 to $350,000 and more. Austin said one of the strength of the sales is that they're in all segments: starter houses, single-family houses, retirement and patio homes, duplexes and luxury houses that compete against the top homes in the region.

The reasons for the sales are varied, but Austin said the city's features have helped a lot, such as the park system and its safety rating. Bel Aire has been ranked as one of the top cities in the state for having the least amount of crime, and that attribute has been a prime selling factor, he said.

"It's putting Bel Aire on the map," Austin said.

The city and developers have recently kicked off a new marketing campaign aimed at increasing Bel Aire's profile and driving potential residents to the city, however, that effort didn't start until the end of the month, so its effect on April sales would be minimal. Austin and Lasher both say that they expect the campaign to start paying dividends soon with more inquires and sales.

Austin said the spring Parade of Homes was a major positive factor in helping sales.

"That brought in great traffic," he said. Targeting families also is helping, he said. In his scheduled council remarks, Austin noted the number of children he has seen out and about on the sidewalks and in the parks.

"This is where families want to be," he said.

Existing houses are selling well, too, although the city doesn't keep figures on those since their sale doesn't call for a city permit.

"Homes are selling in a few weeks," said council member Ken Lee. Sometimes faster, as Austin recalls the recent sale of a house near his' within 72 hours.

About the only downside for the new home builders, Lee said, is being able to find a firm that has the time and manpower to pour a foundation.

Officials hope the sales keep up and the city of about 8,000 can continue to grow. Growth also can help the city find buyers for its many acres of land it owns — and turn that land over to property taxpayers.

In other action, the council:

•Approved an ordinance allowing conditional use on a property at 4101 N. Edgemoor zoned residential to be used for a counseling service owned and operated by Bel Aire resident Lisa Bellecci-st.romain, a licensed specialist clinical social worker.

Bellecci-st.romain said she would be seeing about 30 to 35 clients a week, but all individually, so there would be no traffic problems. She will operate until 8 p.m. two nights a week and is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. She is building an addition on the one-acre lot to handle the business operations.

•Saw a presentation from Gayle Martin, program director at the Hugo Wall School at Wichita State of a Mini MPA Completion plaque to City Clerk Jamie Hayes.

•Confirmed the mayoral staff appointments of Ty Lasher as city administrator, Greg Keith as municipal court judge and Alison McKenney Brown as city attorney.

•Approved a memo of understanding with Greg Keith and a legal services agreement with Alison Brown.

•Elected Guy MacDonald to serve as council president for the next year.

•Set a workshop session for 6:30 p.m. May 12 at City Hall.

•Approved appropriations in the amount of $411,557. The amount includes debt service.

•Proclaimed May 15 as Police Officers Day. The day is aimed as a salute to the country's police officers, including Bel Aire's 12 sworn officers.

•Proclaimed May as Building Safety Month. The action is designed to recognize the role safe buildings play in our daily lives.

•Proclaimed May 16 as National Kids to Parks Day. The day is meant to encourage children to be active and use parks.

All five council members and the mayor were present. There was no executive session. The next meeting is 7 p.m. May 19 at City Hall.





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