AREA CONSTRUCTION REMAINS STRONG; SIGN OF GOOD ECONOMY

Spurred by an unusual number of new homes in November, Cape Girardeau's construction industry is enjoying an excellent year. Near-record construction like this year's signifies a strong local economy, one that shows no signs of weakening.

The city issued 25 single-family housing permits last month, compared to an average eight to 10 housing permits in any given month. Primarily responsible for the increase is a project that involves construction of affordable homes for lower-income families.

Permits for 15 such homes scattered across southeast Cape Girardeau were issued last month. They will be 1,000-square-foot homes that will sell for about $60,000 each. They will help meet a demand in Cape Girardeau for homes in the $100,000-and-under range.

Five of the other housing permits were issued for residences that will cost $80,000 to $95,000 to build, and at least two of the permits were for homes topping $350,000. Total cost of the 25 homes for which permits were issued last month is almost $2.5 million, for an average cost of just under $100,000.

Through November, 82 permits for new houses have been issued this year. During all of 1995, the city issued 57 permits for new houses. Add to this year's totals 14 duplexes and 24 apartment units, and it puts new-home-construction spending at more than $14 million, almost $4 million more than the amount spent for last year's 57 new homes, 22 duplexes and 11 apartment units.

Overall, total new-construction spending was just over $43 million through November. With December figures uncounted, indications are total 1996 construction in the city could top last year's $44.5 million.

That kind of spending for new construction is a good gauge of the local economy. Such growth is crucial to a city's development, and Cape Girardeau's economy remains robust.