By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

HAMILTON - City officials have pledged backing for two projects they think will help revitalize downtown.

Council members this week said they would support The Fort Hamilton Hospital, the city's largest employer, in its efforts to add a two-story building for a 16-bed intensive care unit. The building will also house outpatient and diagnostic services.

Cost estimates are between $16 million and $18 million.

The new building will connect to the Haldimand Avenue side of the hospital and require realignment of the street between Progress and Eaton avenues.

Haldimand Avenue resident Winifred Blevins said she doesn't think the reconfiguration will have a major impact on residents and could benefit them if it cuts back on access to the street from Eaton Avenue.

The project will add 26,000 square feet to the hospital and expand the critical-care capacity by more than 30 percent.

"This expansion will bring even better facilities and better access for the care of local residents, as well as create additional jobs and an increased tax base. It's a win-win for the city," said Mayor Donald Ryan.

Funding will come from the Health Alliance and donations.

"I would hope the city will do all they can do to expedite this as quickly as possible," Councilman Edward Shelton said.

Construction is to begin in the spring and last 18 months. Project completion is slated for December 2005.

James Kingsbury, the hospital's senior vice president and president and CEO of the Fort Hamilton Healthcare Corp., told council letters will be mailed Thursday to residents in the neighborhood, informing them of the expansion.

The expansion is expected to bring about 125 additional jobs to the city.

Council also heard an overview of the Hamilton Riverfront Renewal Master Plan by Daniel Meyers of URS Corp.

The plan calls for redevelopment of the entire riverfront.

Recommendations include a minor league baseball stadium and boathouse in German Village, a riverfront amphitheater north of downtown Hamilton, and a performing arts center along High Street.

The riverfront redevelopment plan is slated to take 15 years and be completed in two phases. Funding will likely come from multiple sources, Meyer said.