AKRON, Ohio — Akron and Cuyahoga Falls are developing new eco-friendly plans for the Merriman Valley and Schumacher areas of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
City leaders said these areas are in need of a new vision that is more in line with today's economic realities.
They said the plan will focus on several different areas including transportation and environmental concerns.
Summit County's two largest communities are working together to get this project off the ground.
"The goal here, which is to make this the most environmental friendly place to live, work, and play will happen now. And the very concern the activist and the concerned residents had at the beginning is going to be achieved," said Community Development Director Diana Colavecchio.
Each city has committed up to $100,000 for the planning costs.
Cuyahoga Falls will introduce legislation to hire a Chicago-based planning consultant on Monday.
If approved, the city will find the project and Akron will reimburse them.
They expect the planning process to begin this spring and finish sometime early next year.
