The first new houses built in Perry in around seven years were unveiled during a ribbon cutting celebration Tuesday evening.

Cornerstone Homes is the newest member of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, and at their ribbon cutting they showed off two new houses on Sunflower Street. The houses are the first of eight residences being developed by Cornerstone. The ribbon cutting event started with Chamber Board member Shawn Kenney introducing the project and what it means to Perry. “This has been something a lot of people have wanted for a long time, as we try to continue the growth of this city. Not only with bringing in new industry, new business, but also homes so people want to call Perry their home.”

Dr. Randy McCaulley, a member of Perry Economic Development and City Council member, then spoke about the City’s need for new housing and the ten year tax abatement program. City Administrator Sven Peterson expanded on the program, which includes five years of no taxes, and prorated taxes for the following five years. Raccoon Valley Bank Vice President of Commercial Lending Matt McDevitt then talked about the “Welcome to Perry” packages to be included with every new house purchased in the tax abatement program. They are valued at over $2,500. One item of particular note is $250 off closing costs for each residential mortgage, courtesy of Raccoon Valley Bank.

Finally, Shane Torres, who spearheaded the whole project with ReMax, talked about starting the project immediately upon hearing of Perry’s ten year tax abatement plan. Anyone interested in the houses can contact local realtor Zack Cregeen, the Perry Chamber, or the City.