by Lauren Krupar

Associate Editor

Hudson -- Mayor William Currin sees a future of smart economic growth beginning in 190 acres west of the planned Seasons Road interchange -- the site of a joint economic development zone where Stow, Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson meet.

"This will benefit the entire region and create jobs, causing our region to grow faster than it has before," Currin said. "This is a lot bigger than it looks, and Hudson's in the heart of it."

The joint economic development zone, announced at an April 24 press conference in a Cuyahoga Falls doctor's office, was created to lure a 100-bed hospital to the area.

The site of the hospital is undetermined, with potential locations including Boston Heights and Macedonia, among others, officials with Summa Health System and Western Reserve Hospital Partners said April 24.

All three communities would share equally in tax revenues generated from the joint economic development zone.

Michael Rutherford, chief financial officer for Summa Health System, said April 24 a final decision would be made within 60 days, but noted the Seasons Road interchange is the "best location" for the proposed hospital.

The proposed interchange would include north and south on and off ramps from Route 8 to Seasons Road, which is north of Steels Corners Road. The project is expected to cost between $9 million and $11 million.

Currin estimated Hudson will have invested at least $7 million in the project by the time the interchange opens. Cuyahoga Falls officials are applying for a $5 million grant from the Ohio Job and Ready Site Fund for the interchange and each of the three communities is expected to contribute $1.7 million for the interchange's construction.

While details of the services the proposed hospital would provide have not been released, Bruce Graham, director of Hudson's emergency medical services, said residents and EMS members would benefit if the proposed hospital is built near the interchange.

"If they are a full deal like Akron General, that would be fantastic because they'd be right next door," Graham said, noting the department transports patients to hospitals such as Cuyahoga Falls General, St. Thomas, Akron City, Akron General Medical Center North in Stow and the main campus in Akron, Akron Children, Robinson in Ravenna and University Hospitals Bedford Medical Center.

"Our members would have more opportunity to learn about medicine, get rounds in and attend medical conferences," Graham said. "It sounds like the entire community would benefit."

Currin said a local hospital would have "multiple benefits" extending beyond medical care.

"A hospital is like a Macy's in a shopping center," Currin said. "Other businesses will grow up around it. This is an investment in the future."

E-mail: lkrupar@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3146