Home builders say that sales of new houses have been relatively strong this spring (that's not much considering just how bad it's been over the past few years), but because there's been a pause in apartment construction during the past month construction activity during April was the slowest since the downturn began more than five years ago, according to data released this afternoon by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities. During the month 203 permits were issued to build 230 units, of which only 14 percent are multi-family. Look for a story with perspective from Twin Cities-area builders in the Saturday paper. In the meantime, here are a few more details:

- YTD permits: 758

- YTD units: 851

- Top city for units: Maple Grover, 28; Blaine, 22; Plymouth, 16 and Minneapolis, 15.