The city of Lake Charles has issued 145 fewer permits in the first six months of 2012 than in the same time frame last year, with construction costs falling from $88 million to $43 million, according to a city permit report. (American Press)
Permit requests down in Lake Charles
Last Modified: Friday, July 13, 2012 10:47 AM
By Lance Traweek / American Press
The city of Lake Charles has issued 145 fewer permits in the first six months of 2012 than in the same time frame last year, with construction costs falling from $88 million to $43 million, according to a city permit report.
But City Administrator John Cardone said the difference stems from a spike in permit requests last year — all for a handful of projects — and not necessarily from a decline this year.
In January 2011, 81 single-family home permits were issued — 67 of them for a cottage homes development near the Power Centre. Those 5 1/2 dozen homes alone accounted for about $10 million of the $12 million in permits issued that month, Cardone said.
A second project involved several permits issued to Christus St. Patrick at Graywood in February 2011; they accounted for about $7.5 million in construction.
One was for 40 assisted-living units, another was for 26 units, a third was for 30 units and the fourth was for 24 units. Additionally, a permit was issued for a recreation center and kitchen area for $1.5 million.
The third project, in April 2011, involved three permits for apartment complexes that exceeded $20 million in construction costs. Two of the permits were issued for Power Centre Parkway — one for 72 units at $8.1 million, the other for 72 units at $7.8 million.
The city also issued a permit for a $4.17 million 41-unit apartment complex.
“All of these account for about $40 million worth of projects, which is the difference between the amount of construction costs that took place between the two years,” Cardone said. “Although it’s a good thing that it happened in 2011, it just so happens that the six months we choose to evaluate took place in that time frame.”
The permit report also noted the construction of a hotel, which Cardone said is the Hampton Inn on Prien Lake Road.
Posted By: darrell On: 7/12/2012
Title: permits
Well, the city hasn't grown it's boundries and more and more growth is outside city limited, therefore this is expected.. Same goes for incoming taxes. Until the city expands it's tax base, they will lose out on potential tax revenue south and north of town..
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