By Susan Vela
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NORWOOD - If Councilwoman Cassandra Brown's sentiments are any indication, then a neighborhood that stands in the way of a $125 million development may be razed.

Brown, the neighborhood's ward representative, said Tuesday the city should heed the project's many supporters and approve an "urban-renewal study" on land targeted for Rookwood Exchange - envisioned as a mix of offices, condos, apartments, shops, restaurants and a parking garage.

The study would help Council determine whether the neighborhood bounded by Interstate 71 and Edwards and Edmondson roads is "blighted" and therefore vulnerable to eminent-domain proceedings.

"It's time to really move forward on this," said Brown, who said during a 90-minute debate that most of the ward residents support the project. "We do live in a republic and the majority of the people is what has to be considered by an elected official. That's how things work in the United States."

No decision was made, and Council intends to have a second reading on the study request at its April 8 session.

Anderson Real Estate and Miller-Valentine Group would finance the study, which would review the tidy, middle-class neighborhood's appearance and gather documentation on the homes' tax status and all health, fire and safety violations.

Developers have said the study would be needed only if they can't get the neighborhood's 79 home and business owners to sell. As it stands, about 20 owners continue to resist their offers.

But "there are no slums in this area," said Brian Suddendorf, one of the targeted property owners at Tuesday's session. "There is not a predominance of defective or inadequate street layout. This area continues to grow and change. Therefore, I am forced to ask myself what other factors may contribute to the necessity of this study?

"Only one item presents itself - the desire of a private developer to acquire the land and redevelop it into a $125 million complex. This blight study can only pave the way for the use of eminent domain."

The developers would finance the study, yet it would be up to Council to designate the neighborhood blighted. Council's community-development committee is recommending approval based on the advice of Tim Burke, the city's legal counsel.

He said the city should conduct the study because Norwood would have an easier time exercising eminent domain and could sell the property to the developers without public bidding. There also could be some benefits when it comes to tax-increment financing, he said.

Developers declined to comment Tuesday. Promising that Rookwood Exchange could generate up to $3.5 million in annual earnings-tax revenues, the developers are negotiating a redevelopment agreement with Norwood. They want the agreement to address condemnation issues.

A resounding "yes" rang through council chambers Tuesday when Councilman Michael Fulmer pushed for a decision.

"I don't care who pays for the study. The study is needed," he said. "We have to make a decision so people can get on with their lives."

E-mail svela@enquirer.com