Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University / The purpose of this thesis is to examine the lower part of the Cuyahoga Valley, an area known as the Flats, and describe the large concentration of industry and commerce found within the area. Attention is called to same of the problems of the past, the present, and a prognosis made of the area's future. The future of the lower Cuyahoga Valley is bright. The opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 will increase Cleveland's overseas trade and probably attract new industries to the area . More important, it will allow large ore ships to bring the rich Labrador iron ore to the valley's steel mills. To insure that the valley and Cleveland get the maximum gain from these future developments, there is a need for intensified long-range planning. [TRUNCATED]