New Russia Township Zoning Commission voted not to recommend rezoning 600 acres of farmland for a proposed “mega site” at their regular meeting this Tuesday. The Commission’s decision, which was decided in a 4–1 vote, comes after major backlash against the development by residents of central Lorain County. The 600 acres in question is located near Lorain County Regional Airport, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Oberlin.
“Resident engagement made a difference,” New Russia Township Trustee Cynthia Breda wrote in an email to the Review. “People shared what mattered to them in their community and surrounding communities, and the Board took that into account.”
The request for rezoning was submitted by Dru Siley, vice president of development for Liberty Development Company, on behalf of four property owners. It is part of a larger plan to convert 1,000 acres of farmland into a mega site, which refers to an empty plot prepared for major industrial development. The project is supported by the County government and funded through a $67 million grant from the All Ohio Future Fund, created by Governor Mike DeWine.
Proponents of the project say it will bring jobs and economic development to the area. Critics are concerned that the development will change the rural character of the area, lead to increased traffic, increase property values, negatively impact the environment, and burden taxpayers. The County has also drawn criticism for their lack of transparency over what the eventual development will include.
Opposition to the mega site plans has been expressed in “No mega site” signs on front lawns across the area and in a Change.org petition that has received over 5,000 signatures. State Representative Kellie Deeter, a Republican representing Oberlin and New Russia, recently expressed opposition to the mega site development, calling on the Lorain County Commissioners to reconsider their support of the project. About 300 residents of New Russia Township and the surrounding area showed up at Tuesday’s meeting, with many using the public hearing immediately prior to voice their concerns. The crowd applauded when the Board made their decision.
The New Russia Township Board of Trustees will have the final say on the development. According to the law, the Board of Trustees, which has three elected members, must hold a public hearing on the matter within 30 days, after which they can decide whether to approve, deny, or modify the Zoning Commission’s recommendation.
