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Continued revitalization in Aspinwall and Blawnox will depend on riverfront development, leaders said this week as they announced a joint comprehensive plan.

“The plan is a vehicle to formally address some common goals,” Blawnox Manager Jack Nolan said.

Aspinwall Manager Melissa Lang said council will apply for a $43,000 grant through the Allegheny County Department of Planning to assist with plan development.

“Ours hasn’t been done in 30 years,” she said. “We’re looking to update it to meet our current goals. We want it to reflect what the town looks like now.”

Together, leaders hope to expand the municipal tax base through growth of nature-oriented small business, Nolan said.

“We want to develop and improve non-motorized links between the communities to connect attractions like boat marinas and parks,” he said.

Lang said discussions will target environmental enhancements such as a water trail and more land paths. The plan will provide a regional look, she said, but also focus on individual needs.

“Each municipality will have our own goals but we will also work together to see how we can use resources,” she said.

Nolan said Blawnox has not had a comprehensive plan “in recent memory.”

Planning commissions in both Blawnox and Aspinwall recommended that councils work together on a plan, he said.

Nolan also said the state and county recommend that existing plans be updated every 10 years.

Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. Reach her at 412-782-2121, ext. 2 or at tpanizzi@tribweb.com.