BY WALT SCHAEFER
The Cincinnati Enquirer

City hall has a bright new look, thanks to roof repairs, painting and other restorations and upgrades. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

NORWOOD - As this city emerges from the economic doldrums forced upon it by the pullout of General Motors, money has been spent on everything from swing sets to streets.

"I see a key to our future growth being the reinvestment in our infrastructure," said Mayor Joe Hochbein. "We have earmarked $1 million in this year¹s budget for street improvements alone, and I see streets as a 10-year project to bring them back to where we want them.

"The image of a city is reflected in its streets and buildings and parks and services. When prospective developers or business people drive into our city and walk into City Hall, it leaves a lasting impression . . . (and) they ask themselves:'Do we want to locate here?' "

He singled out three examples of significant infrastructure investment over the past two years: About $1.6 million in streets, $600,000 in parks, and $1.5 million in building repairs and upgrades.

Some key improvements resulting from the economic resurgence of the city:

• At City Hall, the leaking roof has been fixed, steps repaired, the interior cleaned and painted, an elevator installed to make all floors accessible to the disabled, and office space expanded to the second floor.

• At the community center, a leaking roof has been replaced, the building rewired and second and the third floor upgraded and reopened after being closed for fire code violations. The first floor, where seniors meet, has been spruced up.

• At the police department, new cruisers have hit the streets and a yearly rotation program started to periodically replace cruisers. Jail facilities have been improved, bike patrols started, an auxiliary park police contingent started. A litter patrol has been launched, neighborhood watch has been revitalized, drug enforcement increased with an in-house drug unit, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programs started in schools, and all police radios have been replaced.

• Street improvements have begun throughout the city.

• City-owned bus service has returned to provide transportation for seniors and others in the community.

• Improvements have been made to all 11 city parks. They include new and upgraded shelter houses, playground equipment, improved lighting, parking and restrooms. Athletic fields have been upgraded. Special-interest facilities such as sand volleyball courts and in-line skating rinks have been added. All swimming pools have been upgraded. The McCullough Farm House at the Lindner Park and McCullough Nature Preserve is being refurbished and a museum and outdoor education center established there, while hiking trails and formal gardens also are being restored.

• Antiquated, 100-year-old fire hydrants are being replaced citywide and water lines are being improved.

• Civic beautification awards have started to recognize residents who improve and maintain their properties.

• Environmental issues have been addressed. The waste-water system is now better monitored, old underground gasoline storage tanks at City Hall and the public works department have been removed.

• A new computer system serves the city building department, and the city's 911 system was upgraded.

• A new roof, heating and air conditioning system have been installed at the health department building.

• In the fire department, a new Quint aerial truck and ambulance were purchased.

Mr. Hochbein said a more aggressive program in acquiring government and private grants has generated about $1.5 million over the past two years to help fund some of the improvements.

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