NORWOOD — Council members hinted Saturday that, if push comes to shove, they'll consider pursuing eminent domain rather than lose a $125 million development of office towers and upscale shops because of a few recalcitrant property owners.

        To make Rookwood Exchange a reality, Anderson Real Estate and Miller-Valentine Group need 77 homeowners to agree to sell their valuable property between Interstate 71 and Edwards and Edmondson roads.

        Only a handful said at a two-hour hearing at Rookwood Tower that they're not interested. But members of council's community development committee warned they likely will pursue eminent domain should developers ask.

        Developers Jeffrey Anderson of Anderson Real Estate and Brian Copfer of Miller-Valentine Group envision 140,000 square feet of shops and restaurants, 350,000 square feet of office space, up to 200 apartments and condos and a 2,500-spot parking garage.

        The project promises to generate $2.5 million to $3.5 million a year in earnings taxes and another $400,000 in property taxes for city schools. Committee members said if it's not these developers, then some others will be knocking on their doors down the road.

        “Frankly, what it all comes down to is the almighty dollar,” committee chairman Will DeLuca said. “You have to be very realistic about it. Change sometimes is good. It's just getting to the point where you make that change.”

        Saturday's forum was intended to gauge property owners' willingness to sell. More than 100 attended and several spoke out against the possibility of eminent domain.

        “What are you going to do? Build your mall around me? My house is not for sale and it's not yours to call it for sale,” said Joe Horney, who rents property on Atlantic Avenue.

        The audience booed Mr. Horney, and the vast majority said they were interested in selling when Councilwoman Maryann Burwinkel asked for a show of hands. But they also said they'd most likely purchase their next home outside of Norwood.

        Bob Kelly, who owns a business in Norwood and whose mother owns a home in the targeted area, agreed that encroaching development is inevitable but he urged council members to think twice about pursuing eminent domain.

        “There are some people that don't want to sell their homes. Don't sell them out because these other people are rushing to get out of town,” he said.

        Developers said they'd like to have all property owners sign contracts, promising to sell, by Dec. 31. At that time, the developers will decide whether they must ask council to pursue eminent domain.

        “I do not want to use eminent domain,” Ms. Burwinkel said. But, “development is going to happen. Council will have to deal with it ... and so will you, folks.”

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