buildingcincinnati

From the 4/10/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Warren council to vote on incentives package Incentives would reward businesses for upgrading vacant buildings. BY AMANDA GARRETT VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — City council is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a business incentives package that one councilman said will be the first step in revitalizing Warren's downtown. Robert Holmes, D-4th, chairman of council's downtown revitalization committee, sponsored legislation along with six other council members that he believes will help attract and maintain businesses downtown. "The downtown has looked the same way for the past 30 years," Holmes said. "We've got to be able to have a package that we can show to potential businesses and say, 'Here's what we can do for you.'" Members of Warren GROWs (Grassroots Revitalization of Warren) and the Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corporation presented council members with the package of reimbursements, tax credits and discounts in November. The incentives are property tax reimbursements, a tax credit based on profits, discounts for building permits and discounts for sewer and water tap-ins. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/292569642964698.php

From the 3/29/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Warren will continue to contract with WRAP A councilman said an independent investigation would clear up lingering questions. BY AMANDA GARRETT VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp. will continue to be contracted by the city after a councilman withdrew legislation Wednesday that would have removed its funding. Councilman Robert L. Dean Jr., D-at-large, introduced an ordinance Feb. 28 that would reappropriate the $51,250 set aside for WRAP and its economic development assistance to a contingency fund in the Community Development Department. Dean asked Community Development Director Michael Keys and WRAP Executive Director Anthony Iannucci to provide written answers to a list of 71 questions he had submitted to them regarding the status of economic development in Warren and WRAP's role in revitalization efforts. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/323833975185380.php

From the 2/21/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Council discusses WRAP WRAP supporters will be given more time to answer a councilman's questions. By AMANDA GARRETT VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — One city council member called for an independent investigation of the Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp., while other council members said the agency's services are vital to the city. Those were some of the comments during a special council meeting Tuesday to discuss the future of WRAP. The meeting had been called by Council President Robert Marchese to allow Community Development Director Michael Keys and WRAP Executive Director Anthony Iannucci an opportunity to answer 71 questions that Councilman Robert L. Dean Jr., D-at large, had submitted to them. Dean said most of the questions came from concerned citizens and surrounded the status of economic development in Warren — especially in the downtown area — and WRAP's role in revitalization efforts. Dean also planned to introduce an ordinance Feb. 14 that would reappropriate the $51,250 set aside for WRAP and its economic development assistance to a contingency fund in the Community Development Department. The Feb. 14 meeting was canceled because of a snowstorm. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/307027995278422.php

Link contains a photo. From the 6/4/07 Enquirer: Multimedia Chart: Hispanics living here (PDF) Border proposal divisive More immigrants here, and more controversy BY TONY LANG | [email protected] FAIRFIELD - Businesswoman Lourdes Leon thinks new immigration rules would boost the U.S. economy and free millions of undocumented people from hiding in the shadows of U.S. life. "They would be able to buy houses, take out loans to buy a car and travel," she says. But like other Latinos, Leon is skeptical that poorer families here could pay for permanent residency, as outlined in a historic U.S. Senate bill. It includes a streamlined path to citizenship for an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants, although that path is strewn with big fines, background checks and years of probation. Leon partners with three other Latinos in a strip mall that includes a Mexican grocery, restaurant, bar and bakery along Ohio 4. A naturalized citizen for 11 years and proud of it, she can only speculate why business has slowed in recent weeks. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070604/NEWS01/706040388/

From the 6/4/07 Athens News: So far, smoking ban apparently isn't hurting local businesses By Nick Claussen Monday, June 4th, 2007 Before the statewide smoking ban went into effect, several local bar owners and managers were concerned about the impact of the ban on their customers and their employees. Some worried that it would drive customers away, while others worried about how their employees would handle no longer being able to smoke in the bars. Now that the ban is in place and is being enforced, local bar owners aren't reporting any loss of business, but some are upset about a few of the law's ramifications. The voter-approved statewide law went into effect in December, and its enforcement began in May. As of Friday, the Athens City/County Health Department had only received eight complaints involving smoking at seven businesses. Ironically, one of those businesses was a health-care agency. Most businesses seem to be complying with the new law, though there is still some confusion about it. Read more: http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=28436

From the 6/4/07 Enquirer: Schools funded without levies Earned income tax, inside millage avoid voters BY CINDY KRANZ | [email protected] As school levies and bond issues increasingly get hammered at the polls in an anti-tax climate, taxpayers are likely to see more school districts resorting to other methods to raise money. More districts locally and statewide are testing the popularity with voters of an earned income tax or moving inside millage without voter approval. And local school districts are surely taking note of what happened last month in Medina County near Cleveland. Voters there approved Ohio's first countywide sales tax that is earmarked for schools. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070604/NEWS0102/706040370/

From the 6/4/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: Church group asking state’s help for senior housing By AMANDA SMITH-TEUTSCH Tribune Chronicle NILES — There are more than two dozen names on a waiting list for living space in Niles Central Park apartments. ‘‘There is definitely a need for more low- to moderate-income housing for seniors,’’ said Shelby Conn, manager of the senior apartment building. One new resident has moved into the building in the last year, Conn said. ‘‘People don’t leave us very often.’’ http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18885 Zone change approved, Walgreens to be built Youngstown Vindicator, 5/30/07 A zone change for a Walgreens near Meridian Road was approved Tuesday by township trustees. Visconsi Companies, a retail real estate developer from Pepper Pike, negotiated a deal to buy lots from 10 property owners on the east side of Lexington Place, which is a side street off Mahoning Avenue behind the BP gas station on the corner of Meridian and Mahoning. New administration building to be built in township park Youngstown Vindicator, 5/30/07 Trustees have proceeded with plans for the new township administration building at the new township park on Herbert Road. Trustees voted on Tuesday to sign a contract for design work on the new building with architect Thomas Keller.

Over-the-Rhine: Metaphor Flats Building Cincinnati, 5/31/07 Interior rendering from Urban Sites website Urban Sites has begun building Metaphor Flats, a new office project at 532 Reading Road. The converted warehouse will feature open spaces, large windows and hardwood floors. Each floor will contain 3,000-4,000 square feet of space and rent for $10.00-$12.50 per square foot. The sale of the 16,557 square foot building, built in the 1880s, was finalized in April 2007. Soon after, building permits for interior renovation of the space and for plumbing fixtures were applied for and issued. The current building permit is limited to interior work only. There is no word on the exteriors. An opening date has not been set. Urban Sites has done several projects in the area, including the Lofts on Broadway and the Light & Manor Houses. Urban Sites project page 532 Reading Road WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/05/over-rhine-urban-sites-starting.html

From the Marketplace section of the 6/3/07 Enquirer: COMPANY TO BUILD OFFICES NEAR LUNKEN MOUNT LOOKOUT - A Fairfax construction development company plans to build 36 office condominiums across from Armleder Park near Lunken Airport. The $7.2 million development, to be known as Wooster Park Office Condominiums, will offer East Side professionals and small-business owners a chance to buy office space near their home and downtown, the developer says. The units will be clustered in three buildings with 12 office condos each. Finished units will start at $181,600 for 1,200 square feet. Buyers will have option to work with the developer to buy larger spaces and multiple units. Dave Staun, vice president at Unit Building Services, says each unit is fully customizable and contains a reception area, offices and conference room. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070603/BIZ01/706030317/ Fort Wright caps park plan at $1.5 million Erlanger Recorder, 6/4/07 Deciding to scale back the original designs for Battery Hooper Park, the Fort Wright city council voted 4-2 to limit the project's cost to $1.5 million. Dave Hatter and Joe Nienaber, Jr. cast the dissenting votes at the May 30 meeting. Hatter said he would not support the project if it exceeded $1 million, believing the park should include a smaller shelter area and a larger playground. City administrator Larry Klein, who is confident the city will able to reduce the overall costs, will meet with the design firm, CDS Associates, in the next few weeks before an updated plan is presented to council during the July meeting. The consensus among council, however, was to remove the $332,000 amphitheater from the project in favor of more playground equipment.

From Cincinnati.com, 6/4/07: Fairfield Falls reduces housing units in Fairfield Township subdivision Contributed By Sue Kiesewetter | Enquirer contributor There will be five fewer housing units built in a Fairfield Township subdivision now under construction. Fairfield Falls LLC was given the go ahead to replace some of its planned three-unit buildings with single-family, detached patio homes. That will bring the total number of units to 130. The project is being constructed on 51.5-acre tract located off Liberty-Fairfield Road, between it and the Great Miami River. About 10 families now live there. “We tried to make the detached units the same as the attached only with different elevation,’’ said Steve O’Callaghan, with Fairfield Falls. “The intent is they are going to look similar to what is there.” O’Callaghan spoke with township trustees recently to address concerns of residents living there. “We didn’t want the ambiance changed,’’ said Ron Honerlaw, one of the residents living there. “I don’t think there will be an objection.” Each of the homes planned for the subdivision ranges from 1,300 to 2,200 square feet, depending on the model. Prices vary between $175,000 and $300,000. The homes are targeted to empty nesters. The change in the plan will increase the amount of green space in the project from about 25 percent to 55 percent, O’Callahan said. Construction should continue about five years before the project is completed. It is being built in three phases. http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/getlocal/gpstory.aspx?id=100063&sid=113562

From the 6/4/07 Kentucky Post: Boone feeling budget squeeze By Luke E. Saladin Post staff reporter The days of fast-growing revenue streams and sunny budget projections appear to be nearing an end in Boone County. The county's proposed budget for the 2008 fiscal year, in fact, includes the elimination of five full-time positions from the county golf courses and is absent any new capital projects - once a Boone County hallmark and the envy of surrounding counties - with the exception of $200,000 for a handicapped-accessible playground at Union Park. Also absent from the proposed budget is a 2.7 percent merit pay increase for county employees, which in past years was given to workers in addition to a 3 percent cost of living increase. County Administrator Jeff Earlywine noted in a memo to Boone Fiscal Court members that this is likely the last year the county can continue to avoid service cuts without changing its fiscal policy. Read more here: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070604/NEWS02/706040354/1014

Van Wert Council reviews early options for Shannon Street project Lima News, 5/30/07 Tony Schroeder, of Choice One Engineering, presented preliminary basic plans for the reconstruction of Shannon Street to Van Wert City Council on Tuesday night. The street, which also serves as state Route 118, will be rebuilt from Main Street south to Ervin Road, including a sharp curve just south of Main Street. He presented three options for rebuilding the street and four options for redoing the curve. The road ranges in average width from 30.5 feet to 32.5 feet. The three options presented to the council were: 40 feet wide with a four-foot curb lawn (the space between the curb and the sidewalk); 39 feet wide with a four-foot curb lawn and 39 feet with a three-and-a-half-foot curb lawn. Schroeder said the 40-foot width would meet Ohio Department of Transportation criteria, but he preferred the 39-foot plan with the four-foot curb lawn. He said a curb lawn any smaller creates problems with trees and fire hydrants placed there.

Link contains a photo. From the 6/3/07 Newark Advocate: Harvesting Our Growth: County struggles to keep up with road demands By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- As Licking County continues to grow, its traffic outpaces road expansion plans and the money needed to fund such projects. In turn, the county's major roadways are helping more residents commute out of the county faster. By 2020, more Licking County residents will be commuting to outside the county than residents commuting within, predicted Matt Hill, transportation planner with the Licking County Area Transportation Study. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070603/NEWS01/706030303/1002/rss01

From the 6/4/07 Enquirer: Budget cloud looms over CPS $10 million in cuts yet to come BY BEN FISCHER | [email protected] After five months of deep cuts and tough decisions, Cincinnati Public Schools officials are closing in on their goal of slashing $39 million - or nearly a tenth of all spending - for the next academic year. Since administrators discovered the projected shortfall in February, the cash-strapped district has laid off nearly 300 employees, ordered each school to spend $500 less per student and hired a consulting firm to weed out administrative excess. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070604/NEWS0102/706040368/

Yeah, they finally did. I don't know the story on it, though. I e-mailed John Walter about it and he asked me to call him for details, but I haven't had a chance to call. Thanks for the comments, guys.

From the 6/3/07 News-Herald: Anti-immigration rally Residents decry U.S. policies on illegal immigrants Jenny May/News-Herald.com 06/03/2007 With the Bruce Springsteen song "Born in the USA" blaring in the distance, Painesville resident Sue Kramer stood at the edge of Veterans Park on Painesville square Saturday morning, waving an American flag and a sign bearing the message "Revolt, America, Rebel!" Trying to capture the attention of passing motorists, Kramer stood apart from about 60 other demonstrators at a rally to protest illegal immigration. The hour-long event was organized by a loose coalition of Lake County residents called the Grass Roots Rapid Rally Response Team. MORE: http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18420090&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6 From the 6/3/07 Times-Reporter: Bound to grow: Area Hispanic population at 1,000 to 2,000 By KYLE KONDIK, T-R Staff Writer As the U.S. Senate prepares to debate changes in immigration law, area officials and citizens differ on what the federal government should do about immigration. And, while the number of illegal immigrants in Tuscarawas County is unknown, the total probably is growing, several sources said. Federal estimates statewide indicated that somewhere between 40,000 and 60,000 illegal immigrants lived in Ohio in 2000. Those figures almost certainly have grown. People of Hispanic or Latino origin make up about 1 percent of Tuscarawas County’s population based on U.S. Census information from 2005. That would be about 900 people. However, that amount probably is artificially low, because it does not include undocumented people who are not citizens, said Richard Renner, a Dover attorney and founder of Hispanic Ministries. It is probably safe, he said, to double any census figures on Hispanics to get a truer picture of the total population. MORE: http://www.timesreporter.com/index.php?ID=68684&r=2

From the 6/2/07 PD: Latinos stay home while feds launch more raids Saturday, June 02, 2007 Robert L. Smith Plain Dealer Reporter Bodegas in Painesville were unusually quiet Friday afternoon. People who normally would have been out shopping in small neighborhood markets for the weekend stayed home, as federal immigration agents ratcheted up the pressure on Lake County's Latino immigrant community. Agents from the Cleveland office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement descended upon select homes and workplaces Thursday and arrested 13 more people accused of being in the country illegally. The action brings to 37 the number of immigrants reported arrested in Lake County since May 18, when federal agents conducted the largest immigration raid the community had seen in nearly 20 years, sending Painesville's Latino community into a panic. Some 400 people sought refuge in St. Mary Catholic Church May 19. The reaction to Thursday's arrests was far more subdued but the fear was real. MORE: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/118078386269880.xml&coll=2 From the 6/2/07 Enquirer: Mexican consul thanks Jones THE ENQUIRER It looks like the Butler County sheriff, known for his anti-illegal-immigration stance, might have a new and unlikely ally. Martin Alcala, the Mexican government's consul in Indianapolis, wrote Sheriff Rick Jones a thank-you letter for his hospitality during Alcala's staff's recent visit to Butler County. That May 18 visit included a tour of the county jail, where signs read, "Illegal Aliens Here." Jones' trademark candor apparently impressed Alcala's staff. "I appreciated very much the frankness and openness of our discussions," Alcala wrote. Jones said the exchange clarified the consul's role for him, as he learned the consul intends to "assist Mexican prisoners only with family and personal issues, not to interfere with criminal proceedings or court-ordered incarcerations." MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070602/NEWS01/706020386/

Link contains a photo. From the 6/3/07 Blade: Complaints pile up since Ohio's smoking-ban enforcement began Violators to receive warning letters By JULIE M. McKINNON BLADE STAFF WRITER Nick Fall has complied with Ohio’s smoking ban by posting related signs and removing the ashtrays at his New Airport Lounge, but he won’t police customers who light up. The neighborhood-bar owner doesn’t plan to start prohibiting smoking until the fines associated with the ban start kicking in, a decision that has kept his tobacco-using clientele happy for the last month and has even attracted some new customers. Read more: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070603/BUSINESS03/70603001/-1/RSS04 From the 6/3/07 Stow Sentry: Smoke 'em (outside of businesses) if ya got 'em by Mark R. Potter Regional Editor Summit County -- They say where there is smoke, there is fire. But while officials say nothing dramatic has occurred since May 3, when the enforcement of Ohio's indoor smoking ban began, not all local bar owners agree. Gene Nixon, Director of the Summit County Health District, said May 30 there had been 38 violations reported by the agency since enforcement began. "That's a pretty small amount from what we expected," Nixon said. However, the violations reported are far fewer than the number of "alleged violations" called in to the Ohio Department of Health says it has received. According to information provided by ODH, county residents phoned in about 309 violations since the enforcement began. Neighboring Cuyahoga County reported 428, while 41 complaints derived from Portage County. "I think the enforcement's going pretty well," said Kristopher Weiss, spokesman for the ODH. "We really didn't know what to expect because we've never done this before." But while health officials iron out the enforcement aspect, area business owners say they are trying not to lose money. Scott Brewer, president and co-owner of seven Brubaker Pub locations, including one in Stow and Hudson, said he has noticed a decline in sales. Read more: http://www.stowsentry.com/news/article/2074772

Both from the 6/3/07 Canton Repository: Medina sales tax to fund schools By MELISSA GRIFFY SEETON REPOSITORY EDUCATION WRITER MEDINA The development isn't hard to miss coming into Medina. It's a place where people want to be. Big homes. Even bigger development. Plopped on acres of land stretching down a rural, twisty Route 57 where miles of farmland used to be. Some of the highest tax brackets in the state occupy this bedroom community, where schools are becoming increasingly overcrowded. The only option for the schools to keep up, some said, was to think of another option. http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=9&ID=358015&r=2&subCategoryID=

From the 6/2/07 Hamilton JournalNews: Butler County schools investigate county sales tax for education funds Board members hope county a sales tax similar to the one passed in Medina may help school funding issues. By Lindsey Hilty Staff Writer Saturday, June 02, 2007 FAIRFIELD TWP. — Medina County made history in early May by passing Ohio's first county sales tax to support permanent improvement for schools. A Fairfield City school board member said Butler County should follow suit. "I think it's a tremendous idea," said Arnold Engel. "I can't fathom any board of education that would be against this." http://www.journal-news.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/02/hjn060707salestax.html

I'm more concerned that it's titled "Louisville gets go...."

From the 5/31/07 St. Mary's Evening Leader: Canal View Estates opens By KAY LOUTH Staff Writer ST. MARYS — Snuggling up to the former Miami and Erie Canal just around the corner from Kroger's on Miami Erie Circle, a new subdivision opened its doors for business Tuesday with a ribbon cutting at the site. According to Cisco Realty's Linda Youmans, the listing agent for the home sites, Canal View Estates is named because it backs up to the canal. Tuesday's ceremony marked the opening of Phase 1 with 32 home sites available. Phase 2, with 19 additional home sites, will open when most of the 32 lots in Phase 1 are sold. Carl Youmans of Youmans' Construction and one of the principals in the development, thinks those 32 home sites will move fast. In fact, he’s counting on it, because he’s planning on building his own home in the subdivision once Phase 1 is concluded. “I don't think the lots are going to last long, he said, explaining there’s only a few lots left in Rolling Hills but he doesn’t know how many are left in West Oaks. MORE: http://www.theeveningleader.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6771&Itemid=27

From the 6/1/07 Lima News: Mercer officials pursuing new jail Bob Blake | [email protected] - 06.01.2007 CELINA — Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey has been on the speaker’s circuit of late. He hasn’t been asking for votes. The sessions are meant to get as much information as possible to voters who will be asked to support a tax increase to build a new jail. Grey and other Mercer County officials met this week to discuss the wording for ballot language. The approach settled on by Grey and county commissioners is a half-percent sales tax for 15 years. The actual language has yet to be agreed upon. “We’re looking at 15 years. That way it covers the cost of constructing a new jail as well as the increased cost to run it,” Grey said. “At the end of the 15 years, there would need to be a decision whether to renew it, ask for a quarter-percent income tax or for no tax at all.” Grey said discussions have been ongoing for four years on the prospect of building a new jail. The sheriff wants simple language so as not to confuse voters about the issue. MORE: http://www.limaohio.com/story.php?IDnum=39082

From the 6/1/07 Middletown Journal: PHOTO: Juan Barnett looks at the plans for the senior center on Central Avenue in Middletown as he installs a sprinkler system Thursday at the center. Staff photo by Gary Stelzer PHOTO: The dining room is taking shape at the new senior center on Central Avenue on the site of the former John XXIII Elementary School in Middletown. Staff photo by Gary Stelzer PHOTO: Work continues on the new senior center on Central Avenue Thursday in Middletown. Staff photo by Gary Stelzer New senior center's single-level design frees up space The structure, built on the site of John XXIII Elementary, is meant to blend in with the neighborhood. By Eric Robinette Staff Writer Friday, June 01, 2007 MIDDLETOWN — Imagine taking the current three-floor senior center on Verity Parkway and laying it on its side so that all its facilities are on one level. That's roughly the equivalent of the new $2 million senior center going up on Central Avenue, at the former site of John XXIII Elementary School. The building is scheduled to open in late September, said John Stugmyer, the executive director of Middletown Area Senior Citizens Inc. The building measures 22,486 square feet, whereas the current center, including all its floors, measures 21,500 square feet. That may not be a dramatic difference in pure numbers, but the new building is significantly roomier than the old because there is no need for stairs or elevators, the director said. Since the center is being built in a more suburban area as opposed to the center of downtown, the building reflects the look of the neighborhood. The architectural firm is SFA Architects Inc. based in Cincinnati. "It's designed to blend in ... we didn't want it to look too commercial," Stugmyer said. MORE: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/06/01/mj060107seniortour.html Miami Township: Aston Lake Building Cincinnati, 5/30/07 Site plan The stalled Phase 8 of the Aston Woods development has been altered to include more units than originally planned. The project, by Fox Hills Development, will now include 7 buildings containing 32 units. The original plan called for 11 detached single-family homes. In 1998, the 265-acre Aston Woods project was approved by the County and was to include 540 dwelling units and a golf course. In August 2003, the plat for Phase 8 was approved by the Rural Zoning Commission. Due to unstable soils on the site, the developer hasn't been able to start construction. Fox Hills has reworked the site to rearrange the lots in the plat, and had made the lots accessible via a private drive off of Shady Lane. The density has been increased from 1.30 to 3.79 dwellings per acre. The amended development plan has been approved by the Regional Planning Commission. The Rural Zoning Commission has not yet added this case to their agenda. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/05/miami-twp-aston-lake.html

From the 6/2/07 Blade: City's harbor patrol being beached as police ranks shrink By TOM TROY BLADE STAFF WRITER The Toledo Police harbor patrol likely will stay on shore this summer and its staff reassigned to street duty as the department begins coping with a decline in uniformed officers. Police Chief Michael Navarre said yesterday that he is shutting down the harbor patrol, which has three full-time staff, pending a final staff review. "They're going to be back in cars, assigned to street duty," the chief said. ... More at: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070602/NEWS03/706020383/-1/NEWS