NORWOOD — The city's New Year's resolutions to repave major thoroughfares, address flooding problems and place pedestrian islands along Montgomery Road should be accomplished thanks to a $1.65 million, zero-percent-interest loan from the state.

        The 20-year loan will augment grants and city funds, allowing Norwood to spend $3.1 million in infrastructure improvements, the most the city has ever spent in one year.

        The loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission made it all possible, Mayor Joe Hochbein said.

        “For 2002, we hit a home run,” he said. The 2002 program is “almost three times the size of our largest project (in the past). This has been something that's been coming for 20 years.

        “Anyone who drives down Montgomery Road knows that it needs repair. I hope that it's a real beginning for the core downtown.”

        The $3.1 million effort will include installing storm sewer pipes for about 70 households along Elm Avenue, alleviating a 40-year-old flooding problem. The new pipe will have a diameter of 48-60 inches, doubling the present width.

        Repairing and resurfacing these main traffic arteries also will be attempted:

        • Montgomery Road, from Dana Avenue to the Norwood Lateral.

        • Ross Avenue, from Montgomery Road to Rhode Island Avenue.

        • Williams Avenue, Montgomery Road to Edwards Road.

        • Smith Road, Edwards Road to Park Avenue.

        Pedestrian islands and landscaping improvements also are planned for Montgomery Road.

        Some work — such as repaving Montgomery Road between Dana and Wayland Avenue — will begin in the spring. Other projects are not scheduled yet.

CAN leaders: Firing Lynch was right call
City Council warns profiling suit plaintiffs
Luken quiet before election on Lynch future
Tradition living at new residence
Wehrung defense wraps up
Gregory fills the house
Homeless coalition speaks out
Tristate A.M. Report
Road projects get green light
SCPA gets $500K gift from trust
UC gets $6 million to study genetics of diabetes
HOWARD: Some Good News
RADEL: On the line
Crime watch group begins
Fire causes $150,000 in damage
Half-brother accused in escape
Jurors could decide today on death for prison killing
Landfill case will continue
Man faces prison after 24th DUI
Reading to be aglow with festivities
Woman faces DUI, other charges in school bus case
Ohio budget agreement is reached
Belle-Belle river duel
Kentucky News Briefs
Skate park on move
sodomy counts filed
Zoning change is next step for big Kenton development