The 2008 economy wasn’t too harsh on the city of Troy’s growth. Now, the council only hopes 2009 will follow a similar trend.

Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford announced in Tuesday’s city council meeting, building permits issued for the year were tied for the third highest in at least 13 years.

With 55 new home permits and 43 apartment unit permits, the city totaled more than $29 million in new building permit collections last year.

That’s down from 2007’s $44 million but still following patterns similar to prior years.

“We know the downturn in the economy is making a difference, and we know we’re not immune to that,” Lunsford said. “We had a good 2008, and we can only hope that continues in 2009.”

The largest contributor to the permit collections in 2008 was the Courtyard Marriot, still undergoing construction, whose permit totaled just more than $4 million.

Other new businesses or businesses who expanded were key players in permit collections: Army Aviation Center, Ansell Warehouse, Yanni’s Restaurant, Noble Manor, Wayne’s Feeds, Southside Baptist and Airtec.

Lunsford said the council is working continuously to recruit new industry and growth to the city, and they even met in executive session prior to the meeting to discuss two properties in the city.

Lunsford said he could not say specifics, but the city has someone interested in purchasing property at the city’s industrial park.

Also in their meeting, council members granted a liquor license to Mikata Steakhouse, a new Japanese restaurant opening near Huddle House on US 231.

Owner Peter Kym said the restaurant is scheduled to open at the end of this month or in the beginning of February.

Councilmember Charles Meeks presented the liquor license proposal to the council for approval.

The council unanimously passed the license on the condition the restaurant avoid serving alcohol to minors.

“I’ve been doing this business for 25 years and I’ve never had this problem,” Kym said. “If they don’t have proper ID, they will not be served.”

In addition, the city council presented Troy City Schools Superintendent Linda Felton-Smith with a resolution declaring the month as School Board Recognition Month.

The next city council meeting will be held Jan. 27 at 5 p.m.