AKRON, Ohio -- A football stadium the University of Akron is planning on building is causing some controversy in Summit County.

The university wants to build the on-campus stadium on a section of land bordered by Vine Street to the north, Exchange Street to the south, Union Street to the west and Spicer Street to the east.

In order to build the stadium, the university announced it is buying up all the bordering property, but not all the owners want to sell.

"I'd like to be part of the University. I've been on the Zip Strip for 25 years and I don't think it's fair for me to get out with nothing now just for somebody else to come in and do what they have to do," said business owner Manuel Nemer.

Nemer owns three storefronts on Exchange, which would be knocked down according to the university's plan.

"It is our hope that these property owners will now know our very serious intent to pay fair market value for this property and to do so then under a good and fair negotiated price," said University President Luis Proenza.

Part of the area is already owned by the university, including dorms and some parking. There is also some rental property not owned by the school and a handful of businesses on Exchange.

At least two owners said they won't sell but the university says otherwise.

"The laws of the state of Ohio provide for appropriate processes to be held in order for a public use to be obtained," said Proenza.

Eminent domain allows the state to appropriate property for public use.

"It's not that simple. It's not going to be that easy. We'll deal with it when the time comes," said Nemer.

University athletic director Mark Rhoades said the stadium will provide great energy for the students and the community and will attract people to campus.

No formal announcement has been made for the specific plans but the hope is that the stadium could be ready for the 2009-2010 season.