SLOWDOWN: The construction slump doesn’t just extend...

SLOWDOWN: The construction slump doesn’t just extend to housing. . . . The drop in commercial construction permits, above, means it will take a while before there’s any building boom in the county, since the permits come first and the construction later. . . . One reason for the slowdown is the glut in office space. New offices simply aren’t being built, industry officials say.

Construction Drops

Commercial construction permits are down 26% for the first three months of this year from last year’s levels. First quarter permit values: 1988: $317 million 1989: $370 million 1990: $288 million 1991: $212 million Source: Construction Industry Research Board