HAMILTON — Despite the economic blows Hamilton has suffered in recent years, City Manager Mike Samoviski expressed optimism Thursday about Hamilton's future.

Samoviski

        “Hamilton is nothing if not resilient,” he said in his “State of the City” address before 180 people at a luncheon sponsored by the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the Hamilton Economic Development Corp. and the Rotary Club of Hamilton. “I see activities under way that will guide us to a healthy future,” he said.

        Mr. Samoviski, former city public works director who was named city manager in June, acknowledged the city's loss of about 3,000 jobs during the past three years, the austere city budget for this year and next and the cutbacks in city employees and services.

        But he cited several encouraging signs for the future:

        City Council's decision this week to refinance $184 million in 2002 electric bonds will save about $4.1 million a year and will reduce debt by $48 million.

        The water-rate agreement this year between Hamilton and Butler County relieved the city of $37 million in debt for its water system.

        Several large Hamilton businesses, such as Valeo Climate Control and Ohio Casualty, are expanding or planning expansions. The city also is leasing its former municipal building for a business incubator project.

        Two Chicago businessmen have agreed to buy and redevelop the massive, vacant Knightsbridge complex, and there are plans to redevelop the former Mosler site.

        The city is talking to private investors about restoring the three historic Mercantile buildings in the heart of downtown and using them for offices, retail and possibly housing.

        The Butler County United Way is exploring the feasibility of converting the former Mercy Hospital Hamilton into a community resource center.

        Hamilton is making a greater effort to join resources with the county and other Butler communities to recruit businesses and work on transportation projects, and on other endeavors.

        Positive developments also are occurring in some of the city's neighborhoods, Mr. Samoviski said.

        Older neighborhoods are being revitalized by housing improvements and historic preservation efforts, and younger working families are moving in, he said.

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