The city issued 154 building permits for new residential and commercial properties in 2008 compared to 145 in 2007, according to city reports.

Construction of new properties in Clovis rose about 6 percent in 2008 from the year before and city officials believe the number will increase again this year because of new military personnel and general growth.

However, 2008 figures are still significantly down compared to before Cannon Air Force Base’s transition from a fighter wing to a special operations wing in 2007.

The city issued 154 building permits for new residential and commercial properties in 2008 compared to 145 in 2007, according to city reports.

“All indications show construction is level or increasing (in Clovis),” City Manager Joe Thomas said. “We are getting a lot of inquiries from local and out of town builders in regards to new residential properties.”

The value of new construction projects in 2008 was about $34 million, compared to $32 million in 2007. The average residential property in 2008 was $216,722 while the average commercial property was $277,260.

City Commissioner and former New Mexico Home Builders Association President Randy Crowder said the city was issuing at least 200 new housing permits a year prior to the transition, Crowder said.

He said as personnel at Cannon increases, so will construction of new homes.

“I think (construction) will turn back,” he said.

Cannon officials said base personnel will reach between 4,000 and 5,000 people by 2010.

The base population is at about 2,000 at present, according to officials.

He said he expects more duplexes and apartments and smaller homes being built because of the slow economy.

2005
Permits issued: 165 (residential) 21 (commercial)
Value: $24.5 million (residential) $19.9 (commercial)

2006
Permits issued: 207 (residential) 33 (commercial)
Value: $24.5 million (residential) $3.3 million (commercial)

2007
Permits issued: 122 (residential) 23 (commercial)
Value: $26.4 million (residential) $6.3 million (commercial)

2008
Permits: 131 issued (residential) 23 (commercial)
Value: $28.4 million(residential) $6.4 million(commercial)