NEW RUSSIA TWP., Ohio — For months, we’ve been telling you about a growing debate in New Russia Township regarding a proposed development.
New Russia Township's Zoning Board of Commissioners did not vote on a recommendation for the seven parcels of land from residential and agricultural to industrial park zoning, saying they needed more time to deliberate.
This comes after more than 100 people shared health, lifestyle and safety concerns during Thursday’s public hearing.
Those in attendance even clapped and stood in solidarity against the proposed project.
“We are being asked to change hundreds of acres with no actual plan in place on farmland that is currently producing crops and has been for decades. This is not vacant, unused land. It is thriving agriculture that needs to remain,” said resident Erin Mason.
After News 5 attended Thursday’s meeting, we learned it’s unclear what will be placed on the property, which is why some said the project west of the Lorain County Airport should not move forward.
In July, County Commissioner Dave Moore talked about a $67 million grant to help prime around 1,000 acres with utilities to accommodate major industry at a so-called "mega site."
RELATED: Northeast Ohio's largest 'mega site' poised to attract new industry
He said at the time, “We’re building the foundation, and we’re opening up the doors and rolling out the red carpet saying, ‘We’re now ready.’”
In early October, Team NEO told News 5 about recruitment efforts that would bring new jobs and long-term investment to the community.
“High-tech manufacturing that’s going to get us into the next 50-100 years,” VP of project management Christine Nelson said.
The economic development organization also shared that conversations were happening to expand the current site from 1,000 acres to 2,000 acres, saying a larger area would give Northeast Ohio a competitive edge.
RELATED: 'Prime farmland:' Neighbors raise concerns over development of Lorain County mega-site
As word spread about the proposal, more opposition emerged in the township and beyond.
RELATED: Opposition grows for Lorain County mega site
By late October, a petition had garnered several thousand signatures, and hundreds of signs appeared in front yards.
More than 100 residents attended a Land Use Committee meeting to raise questions and share concerns about the plan
RELATED: 'It’s heartbreaking:' Lorain County neighbors worry mega site could disrupt rural community
“Township residents should prevail. This is how it’s supposed to work. If the township residents truly don’t want it, our elected representatives are supposed to listen to us and do what the residents want,” farmer Steve Jackson told News 5 Thursday.
He said neighbors have been united in their efforts to block the development of farmland.
“As you enter the township, the sign says ‘zoned for your protection.’ This is really simple. We’re just asking for our protection,” he said.
A developer has submitted an application to the New Russia Township Zoning Board to change the classification on seven parcels of land from residential and agricultural to industrial park zoning. That request received its first public hearing Thursday night, where many expressed their opposition.
“We also have rights under those codes as they are right now. We have the right to make these requests. We have the right under the existing zoning potentially to develop that property as a zone today,” said Dru Siley, the Vice-President of Liberty Development Company.
A special zoning commission meeting will be held on January 5 at 6 p.m. to vote on this proposed plan’s recommendation.
Community reaction
A battle between preserving a rural lifestyle and ushering in new economic growth is playing out in central Lorain County. As work ramps up to prepare a mega site for industry, neighbors in the rural community are growing increasingly vocal in their pushback against the project.
Ahead of a zoning hearing Thursday, “No Mega Site” signs dotted yards in New Russia Township and neighboring towns. They’ve been a visible part of the groundswell from residents who want to keep their community rural.
“Farming isn’t getting any easier for any of us,” said farmer Chad Arcaba.
The South Amherst resident is the fourth generation to farm in and around the area.
“My two sons are the fifth generation that will hopefully carry on my great-grandfather’s farming dream into the future,” he said.
He believes that dream and an agricultural lifestyle are under threat.
“Seeing 583 acres of prime farm ground [disappear] is heartbreaking to everybody in the area,” Arcaba said.
Arcaba said it was a matter of preserving his family’s legacy.
When asked what kind of future he wanted for his sons, Arcaba said, “Just happiness… being able to do what they love to do and being able to do it without everyday being a battle.”
