Last year was the worst-recorded year of permits issued
EMMET CO., MI -- Workers in the Emmet County construction code department are reporting the number of construction permits issued this year is bouncing back after a very slow 2009.
The county reports last year was the slowest since the department started in the mid-70's.
But this year, it looks promising.
Construction is underway in Petoskey for the new John and Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion and Dialysis Center. The beams have been set for the building that will house Northern Michigan Regional Hospital's outpatient therapy services, the chronic dialysis unit, and new wellness center.
"We're really very excited about this, because it's not only about expansion, it's being able to serve our patients and communities better than what we able to at this point in time," said NMRH CEO Reezie DeVet.
Northern Michigan Regional Hospital's construction is part of a positive outlook for Emmet County. Last year, the number of building permits issued by the county was dismal. This year, it's on a positive swing.
"If you look at our annual reports, the last five years was a downward trend, and finally, I think, hopefully, we hit the bottom last year and we're on the turn," said the director of construction resources Brentt Michalek.
The total number of permits issued last year was just more than 1,800. Michalek calls that the worst recorded since the building department was established. It was so bad, the department's staff was cut from 12 employees to 8. However; this year, the year-to-date numbers are what can be called promising.
"This year's totals are probably not going to be, they're still going to be pretty low, however, the total permits this year are more than we had last year, so we are on what I'd call an upswing," said Michalek.
July numbers compared to year-to-date from last year show an increase of 22 permits for new construction projects, 63 for additions, alterations, and demolitions, and 59 for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical. A promising tidbit of information--Michalek says if the numbers continue to rise, the department will look to re-fill some of the empty positions.
Another promising fact about the Emmet County Building Department is this year, they received a better ISO evaluation, which could make insuring a newly built home cheaper in the county.
