The Norwood Community Survey was launched with the goal of bringing more objectivity to our civic life. And while it’s certainly interesting to see the nine things Norwoodians agree about (city-wide), I think the most-interesting takeaways from the survey can be found at the ward level.
If there’s one thing that’s become glaringly obvious to me while analyzing the data from the survey, it’s that each ward of Norwood is its own animal. Sure, we all exist under the banner of Norwood, Ohio, but I think it’s unrealistic to assume that a one-size-fits-all approach is sufficient.
Think about it like this: the City of Cincinnati has 300,000 residents spread across 52 neighborhoods. On average, each neighborhood has about 6,000 residents. At least to me, it’s obvious that different neighborhoods have different needs, and that the city takes a different approach to different areas. They all need love, but that love takes different shapes from College Hill to Columbia-Tusuculm to Lower Price Hill.
In Norwood, we’ve got about 20,000 residents spread across four wards, which means each ward has about 5,000 residents. Yes, we’re a smaller city, but that’s still a lot of people to try and paint with a broad brush. Maybe it’s time we layer in ward-level goals in addition to the city-wide initiatives that are already being worked on.
About the survey
To get a comprehensive overview of how the survey came to be, who participated, and what was asked, you are encouraged to review the detailed overview of the 2020 Norwood Community Survey. In short, it was a 51-question survey that asked about a wide variety of local topics, including: city services, schools, parks, and more.
For this article, the information below is based on the responses provided by 54 residents of Ward 1. I acknowledge that these results aren’t perfect and that not everyone in the neighborhood participated, but I do think they are directionally valid. Read more about the confidence interval in the overview.
In case you need a refresher, here is the map of Norwood’s wards. Ward 1 is the southwest quadrant of the city and is highlighted in green below.
Now, without further adieu, let’s get to the summary of the data, which represent both numerical and open-ended responses.
Disclaimer: The administration of the City of Norwood had nothing to do with this effort.
Your Neighborhood
What could be done to help you feel more safe in your neighborhood?
- More connection to neighbors, well lit streets
- More police presence (walking, bikes, etc.)
- I’ve had my garage broken into twice in the four years I’ve lived here, but I still just feel very safe. I take several walks each day and there are some streets that aren’t well lit at night, but that’s sort of comes with walking alone at night.
- this does not affect my personal safety but I think people speed on my street and would not mind speed humps since there are lots of kids around. I am referring to Mills ave between Carter and Upper Millcrest Park
- There are some shady characters on Cleveland. Not sure what to do, but I’d say that’s the area I don’t feel safe and they’ve vandalized properties I own. I also get reports of drug deals happening over there.
- Better sidewalks could reduce the fear I have of tripping in the dark. Or maybe better streetlights?
- Read all 31 comments submitted by respondents from Ward 1.
Editor’s note: Of all of the questions asked to all the different wards, Ward 1’s dissatisfaction with the appearance of their neighborhood is one of the single-largest outliers. Compared to the rest of Norwood, Ward 1 shows immense displeasure with the messiness of their area.
What do you like the most about living in your neighborhood?
- Walkability, library, knowing neighbors, walking at Xavier and Wasson way, active council members who I get to know
- Strong community. Moriah Pie. The legacy of several intentional communities having been in the area means there are a LOT of neighbors who value and support community events and projects.
- How close everything is. It also feels like it has a lot of promise, which is exciting.
- Affordability
- Read all 49 comments submitted submitted by respondents from Ward 1.
What is your least favorite thing about your neighborhood?
- how often there is garbage just thrown about, and that people let their dogs poop on the sidewalks… and don’t pick it up.
- Random people walking around outside, sketchy foot traffic
- Xavier student housing and the corresponding mess, fireworks, parties. I know you only asked for one, but Norwood streets are a mess structurally.
- resistance to (good) change. Generational neighbors pitted against newer neighbors. Shady personalities who suck attention and make controversy in political discourse.
- The increasing gentrification
- Read all 49 comments.
If you were to move away from your current area of Norwood in the next five years, what would be the most likely reason(s) for your move?
- Feeling disconnected and finding another community elsewhere.
- Better schools
- Just needing more space in our house — we have a growing family.
- Resistance to good change. Seeking a community that embraces the arts. Looking for a house with land.
- Gentrification
- Real all 47 comments.
Editor’s note: Ward 1 was the only ward of Norwood where the overall rating was negative, if only slightly — as evidenced by there being more detractors (red) than promoters (green) in the chart above. This is made even more interesting by what you’ll see in a moment, which is that Ward 1 reports the strongest sense of community in Norwood. Maybe it’s one of those “the strongest steel goes through the hottest fire” sort of situations?
What changes would most improve the neighborhood?
- Better managed public parks and playgrounds in our area of the city. Basketball hoops returned to our park.
- Better roads and streetscaping, more places to go in the city, a more inviting downtown area
- Welcoming independently owned, family friendly businesses. More Trees. More opportunities for youth
- Fix the roads, and make Montgomery appealing
- Revitalization of community center
- Better sidewalks to encourage a walking community, along with crosswalks and traffic lights.
- Read all 48 comments.
Community Involvement & Engagement
Editor’s note: Compared to the responses from the other wards, Ward 1 reported, by far, the highest levels of Participation In Activities. I suspect this might be related to the strong sense of community, the number of community gathering locations contained within the ward (City Hall, Community Center, YMCA, schools, etc) and the mixed-use zoning, which lends to many more interior businesses than the other three wards have.
If you do not participate in community organizations or activities, why not? What would make you more likely to attend in the future?
- Usually don’t know things are happening — communication is not great in Norwood, I think.
- Unaware of Norwood community activities & uneasy about meeting new people, I would be more likely to attend if I knew someone in the community who was going.
- At times it can still feel like you have to be an old-timer to participate.
- In the past we did… It was somewhat discouraging. Doing improvements on a neighborhood park was such a battle. If it felt exciting and like there was potential for improvement, I’d be more likely to engage.
- Read all 23 comments.
What types of community activities would you participate in, if they were available?
- street party, clean up activities, farmers market, festival/music event
- Block parties, outdoor concerts, art events, etc.
- Art fairs, vision/planning sessions, tree/flower planting
- Group get together, discussions, volunteer events
- Let’s repave the streets ourselves.
- Read all 35 comments.
Local Government & Services
What could the Norwood Police Department do to be seen as more favorable in your eyes?
- Take more of a community policing approach; spend more time on the streets and less time in their cruisers.
- I think they do a very good job
- Hire a few more police of color
- Live in Norwood and consume less of our budget.
- Treat all areas and people of Norwood the same. I also found it frustrating that the police department building was repainted but my playground is falling over.
- Read all 34 comments.
Editor’s note: I’m not sure if these two are related, but after reading through the comments, it’s notable that Ward 1 reports the most distrust of city spending and also has the lowest opinion of Norwood Police compared to the other wards.
What could the Norwood Fire Department do to be seen as more favorable in your eyes?
- We love our NFD. Just wish their budget wasn’t such a large percentage of the (city) budget.
- I have only had one encounter with the Fire Department. They showed up quickly and were very helpful.
- Grill Out
- Read all 21 comments.
Parks, Infrastructure, and Local Businesses
Editor’s note: Although Ward 1 reports the second-highest park utilization rate of the four wards, it shows the most dissatisfaction.
What would make you more likely to use the Wasson Way trail? Any other ideas to improve it?
- I am a very frequent user of the trail, however I am not comfortable using it in the dark. The trail could use lighting.
- Family friendly independent businesses along the trail. Trees and greenery
- Crossing Montgomery to get to it, especially with kids, feels very precarious. I would love if there was a walk light, or at least some kind of prominent crosswalk designation.
- The extension along the West side of Norwood to be completed because it runs right along Ward 1 and would be amazing to go for walks or bike
- A better connection from West Norwood; utilize the railroad from Millcrest through Xavier
- Bike racks, trash cans, Bike rental store near trail
- Read all 34 comments.
Do you have other thoughts or comments to share about a possible tax levy for street repairs?
- My understanding is that Norwood already has the highest city tax in the area. If other cities and neighborhoods can maintain their roads I’m not sure why Norwood can’t.
- Don’t trust that Norwood will use the funds as decided
- If the city cannot find the funds to fix the roads, then they do not need to be a city.
- It’s needed, everywhere.
- We need a comprehensive, long-term plan.
- I worry it will get misused and would rather reform the police pensions to pay for it
- Read all 24 comments.
Editor’s note: While the city-wide sentiment about the Montgomery Rd corridor is pretty unfavorable, Ward 1 shows the highest dissatisfaction.
Editor’s note: When it comes to running errands, getting to work, or just getting around, Ward 1 respondents report the highest rates of walking and public transit use. It’s also worth pointing out that bike usage rates in Wards 1 & 2 (37%) are, collectively, nearly triple the rates of Wards 3 & 4 (13%). Perhaps this could be explained by the flatter terrain of south Norwood and the closer proximity to Surrey Square and other shops.
Other Comments
At the end of the survey, participants were given a blank slate to comment on whatever else was on their minds. Here’s what they had to say.
- I am very intrigued about the work being done in parks through volunteers and the City Council. I am also impressed by the organizing work and collaboration being done through Norwood Together. The proposed plan for the Montgomery Road Corridor which will be presented in November promises to impact very positively that drive through section of Norwood. Some of the conservative and stubborn responses lately to the request for a mural ordinance – specifically from “At Large” members of the City council dismay me, but a partial solution is better than nothing.
- I have a positive feeling for the future of Norwood! I look forward to all the talk about improving business district, Montgomery corridor, US playing card possibilities, parks and roads. I appreciate that new and younger folks are getting so enthusiastic and doing so much for our neighborhood. We really can be a gem!
- I wish people wanted to be more connected, share life, work and good things together instead of complain and denigrate each other.
- If the city continues on the path that is under, the city of Cincinnati would be best.
- Let’s work together.
- My husband and I love living here in Norwood and we can’t wait to see the community evolve!
- We will be more satisfied with Norwood if it goes in the direction of Oakley and Hyde park.
- Thanks for making the effort to do this. I know this takes a lot of energy and time.
- Updating water meter reading method would be great
- Serious about police pension reform
- Your questions reminded me, I’ve heard it’s very difficult to get a business license in Norwood, or something like that. After Brick closed, one of the owners said he had tried to open another coffee shop in Norwood but struggled w the process so much he relocated to Kenwood. Norwood lacks a coffee shop! Or any kind of space just to be. The only good restaurant is San Marcos taqueria, now that bluebird is closed. And the office park…bleak. Also I have been an advocate for murals. I think the City is getting in the way of how great a place this could be. Thanks for asking.
- Please take into consideration the people living in poverty in Norwood. So much of development ignores or actively harms their chances of making a life in Norwood.
- I hope Norwood improves drastically
- I’m really concerned about real estate flipping and speculation in West Norwood. I’d like to see a stronger building dept, more rental regulation and code enforcement. I know people are buying rentals who don’t live in the region and this is very concerning. I’d like to see strategic investment on Lincoln, Cleveland and Sherman but quick flips and higher rents won’t do that
—
Thanks for reading the Ward 1 summary. I’d love to read your thoughts on what was presented. Please feel free to leave a comment with your ideas for bettering the ward.
Also, if you found this interesting, be sure to check out the Ward 4 summary, which was the first ward article published.