Year-over-year net income at Somerville’s Central Bancorp fell more than 68 percent in the second quarter, a slide the company largely attributed to a sharp decline in net interest income because of less commercial real estate loans written.

Second quarter net income totaled $236,000, down from $739,000 at the same time last year. In a statement, the company credited the decline to a decrease in net interest and dividend income of $667,000, an increase in non-interest expenses of $293,000 and an increase in the provision for loan losses of $200,000. Those losses were partially offset by a $377,000 bump in non-interest income and a $280,000 decrease in income tax expense.

"This decrease was primarily the result of decreases in commercial real estate loan balances as management continued to de-emphasize commercial real estate lending in the current market environment in an effort to reduce risk in accordance with the company’s business plan, as well as a general decline in market interest rates on loans," the company said in a statement.

Central Bancorp Inc. is the holding company for Central Bank – whose legal name is Central Co-operative Bank – a Massachusetts-chartered, co-operative bank operating nine full-service banking offices, a limited service high school branch and a standalone 24-hour ATM in Somerville.