Summit County is looking to create a county-wide land bank in an effort to redevelop neighborhoods and the county's real estate market.

Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise spoke with AkronNewsNow.com about what the proposed legislation will do for neighborhoods affected by foreclosures and other reasons.

"It's going to help those neighborhoods by allowing us to acquire , rehabilitate, and demolish or re-market abandoned and vacant properties," she explains.

The legislation proposes to hire a Northeast Ohio non-profit to assist Summit County in developing a County Land Reutilization Corporation.

This plan has been in the works for several months now. The County realizes that with homes going vacant due to foreclosures and property values are dropping fast.

Summit County Proposes Land Bank by Akron NewsNow

"The Akron Community Foundation has agreed to commit  $15,000 to the project while the GAR Foundation will contribute $25,000," says Scalise.

"I'm hoping this legislation will be the first step in addressing and correcting this problem."

She says that it was a team effort in terms of getting this proposal on the table to make Summit County neighborhoods vibrant and resourceful.

"In today's economic climate, myself, the County Executive, and Council are looking at every option available to make life better for the citizens of Summit County." 

Scalise says County Council will be presented with the legislation Monday, December 5th.