LEETONIA, Ohio - Leetonia's mayor, Kevin Siembida, tells 21News the village intends to break ground on a four-phase Downtown Improvement Plan, in June 2025.

The first phase of the $11 million project will include moving utilities like telephone poles underground, restoring building facades, and re-designing the streetscape to improve traffic and accessibility.

"Whether you're going to a coffee shop or a little winery or just taking a bike trail or a walk, it's going to be a place where you'll be able to spend time," Mayor Siembida says.

The revitalization efforts are aimed at diversifying the village's economy and raising quality of life for members of the community. The later phases will extend the downtown toward the village's historic Beehive Coke Ovens Park, to bring tourism to the area.