While some major construction work in the city is still goingon, Brookhaven Building Inspector Steve Moreton said other activityhas slowed in recent months.

“This entire year’s been fairly slow. It’s nothing compared to ayear or so ago,” Moreton said.

Moreton mentioned recent economic uncertainties as a reason forthe slowdown. And weather factors will probably limit activity forthe next few months.

“This time of year, nobody really wants to start anythingbecause of the weather,” Moreton said. “It’s usually slow untilspring.”

Still, Moreton pointed out several projects that are getting offthe drawing board and moving closer to starting.

An empty Brookway Boulevard lot between Cracker Barrel andShoney’s is being eyed as a retail shopping area, Moreton said. Theinspector said details are still being worked out and he had notimetable for start-up, but a parking variance request is expectedto filed in connection with the plans.

“We’ve got a site plan, and we’re trying to work out some waterretention issues,” Moreton said.

Moreton also mentioned another Brookway Boulevard development,but was unable to discuss specifics because land acquisition hasnot been finalized.

Elsewhere in the city, Moreton said Brookhaven OB/GYN Associatesis planning an expansion that would add exam area space andincrease the building to 6,300 square feet. Also, an office complexis being considered for Highway 51 near Lipsey Middle School,Moreton said.

While new construction remains in the early stages, severalprojects are making progress or are nearing completion.

Work on a $1 million library expansion is continuing andofficials are looking at a March completion date. Also in the areaaround Whitworth College, construction on the Mississippi School ofthe Arts’ Student Life Center is evident as crews work on theplanned eight-story structure.

Also on the campus, crews have started work to remove concretefrom a large drainage ditch and replace it with a box culvert. Thenew culvert will eventually be covered, and the area used forparking, said Jeff Green, the engineer overseeing the project.

Green said the contract period for the work is 90 days, but heindicated it may not take that long. Oddee Smith and Sons was thelow bidder on the project with a $217,221 bid.

“They really got a good start on it,” Green said. “It reallydepends on what happens to us weather-wise.”

In another education-related project, Moreton was impressed withthe addition of two wings at Brookhaven High School. Schooldistrict officials have said they are wanting to move in to therenovated main building around spring break.

“They’ve got some landscaping to do, but the building’s lookinggood,” Moreton said. “They’ve got something that students, parentsand teachers can be proud of.”

In industrial development, Moreton pointed out the new EPCOfacility in the industrial park.

“They are, for the most part, complete,” Chandler Russ, chamberof commerce executive vice-president, told city officials Tuesdayin requesting they pursue construction of a permanent road to thefacility.

A temporary road was built for construction and funds for a newroad will come from a state economic development grant.

Moreton also cited development of the business park on JohnnyJohnson Drive off Brookway Boulevard. The new Baker-Patrickaccounting firm’s office, as well as the United States Departmentof Agriculture’s regional office, Social Security office and stateTax Commission, recently joined the regional Farm Bureau officebuilding in the park.

“It developed pretty quickly,” Moreton said about the area.

While building activity in recent months has been slow, Moretonwas looking for a rebound as the weather and hopefully, theeconomy, improves.

“It’s going to pick up. I just hope the economy picks up,”Moreton said.