Approval of building plans by the city for Tropical Smoothie Cafe highlighted commercial building permits issued in September for New Iberia.

Remodeling valued at $206,200 is underway in a building at Suite C, 1200 E. Admiral Doyle Drive, according to information released by the city government. That building permit led the way for commercial building permits inside city limits, which increased 49.59 percent over the same month in 2017.

Last year, commercial building permit valuations were reported at $293,425 in the city compared to last month’s total of $438,920. Residential building permit valuations last month totaled $355,171 compared to $254,459 in September 2017, a 39.58 percent jump.

Mike Tarantino, president and CEO of the Iberia Industrial Foundation since 2003, said he was encouraged by the building permit numbers for September in New Iberia. He also talked about the Tropical Smoothie Cafe expected to open later on Admiral Doyle Drive.

“That’s good news because that was empty space. New Iberians want more retail (establishments) and restaurants. We’re excited that Tropical Smoothie Cafe is going forward with building activities. It’ll be a great addition to our town,” Tarantino said Wednesday afternoon.

And, he said, “People can expect more announcements like this coming soon.” 

Residential building permits were paced last month by remodeling worth $264,000.

That New Iberia’s commercial and residential building permitting was on an upswing was in marked contrast to the same in Iberia Parish. No commercial permits were issued in September by Iberia Parish Government, according to the Office Manager of Permits, Planning and Zoning.

In September 2017, commercial permits in the parish totaled $761,995.

Iberia Parish residential building permits also were lower last month than the same period in September 2017, when the valuations totaled $2,322,058. Last month the valuations totaled $1,461,671, a decrease of 37.05 percent.

Tarantino remained optimistic despite the numbers.

“Of course, we’ve been through economic challenges over the last couple of years but things are steadily improving. The unemployment rate is lower and the price of a barrel of oil is higher,” he said, noting the price based on West Texas Intermediate, used as a benchmark in this region for oil pricing, is $76.

At the beginning of 2015, he said, the WTI fell as low as $25 a barrel.

Tarantino also pointed out there have been multiple announcements on expansion at the Port of Iberia.

“I think there are a lot of reasons to be optimistic,” he said.

Overall, he said, “People are more optimistic. There are a lot of positive activities going on.”