NORWOOD — With a $391,000 general fund budget surplus from 2000, the city is poised to resume a street improvement program with $1 million earmarked next year.

        The city also is proceeding with the estimated $800,000 expansion and remodeling of a former bank to expand its law enforcement facilities.

        Mayor Joe Hochbein said 2000 was the fifth consecutive year the city ended with a balanced budget.

STREET PROJECTS

City Projects Coordinator Jack Cameron said the street restoration and repaving program includes:     • Harris Avenue from Forest Avenue to Oak Street.     • Fenwick Avenue from Montgomery Road to Quatman Avenue.     • The Smith Road and Williams Avenue intersection.     • Hudson Avenue from Montgomery Road to Floral Avenue.

        “The earnings taxes were considerably higher. They turned out to be 6.2 percent more than expected last year. We had no layoffs and had some hires in the police department.”

        The increase in earnings taxes is largely due to completion of the Rookwood Commons development at Edwards and Madison roads.

        “We see Norwood as continuing to be on an upswing,” the mayor said. He predicted even higher earnings tax revenues this year.

        “Rookwood Commons (retail) came on line in August, but many of the tenants are now beginning to move into the seven-story office tower and that's where there will be the most jobs and the most earnings tax revenues. The tower is 90 percent leased.”

        The mayor also announced that development looms closer for the vacant Globe Wernicke and American Laundry sites abutting the Norwood Lateral to the north and west of Montgomery Road.

        The city expects to see a retail, commercial and large office development on the site, including an upscale hotel, restaurant and grocery.

        The announcements continue the transformation of the community from a blue-collar manufacturing city to an upscale office and retail center in the heart of Hamilton County. The city had been known for the General Motors Assembly Plant until its cosing in 1987.

        Deputy City Auditor Janet Kennedy said 2000 earnings taxes totaled $9.9 million — up from $9.33 million in 1999.

        Although the final 2001 budget has not been approved by council and the city is operating on a tempo rary budget, Mr. Hochbein said the projected 2001 general fund will be $15 million to $16 million.

        The expanded bank building will house the city's jail, patrol division, records and clerks section and administration.

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