New Russia Township is set to hold a public hearing on November 24, 2023, regarding a proposed zoning change affecting 585.2 acres of land. This significant development, announced by the township’s Zoning Board of Commission, aims to transition the land from general business and agriculture residential district to industrial park.
The hearing will commence at 6 p.m. at the Administrative Office of New Russia Township, located at 46300 Butternut Ridge Road. The proposed amendments to the township’s zoning map involve eight parcels, primarily situated around the Lorain County Regional Airport, which was designated as an industrial park last year.
Among the properties involved in the rezoning proposal are several locations along State Route 58 and Oberlin Road in Elyria. The parcels include 10343 State Route 58, owned by Huron County Holdings LLC; and multiple areas owned by Ceres Farms LLC, including 45396 Russia Road and three unnamed sites on Oberlin Road. Additionally, Richard C. Pleasnick owns a parcel at 10011 State Route 58.
Liberty Development Company is acting as the representative for the applicants concerning this zoning change. According to township documents penned by Dru Siley of the development group, these parcels have direct access to Leavitt Road, Russia Road, and Oberlin Road, and are adjacent to the regional airport.
Residents have expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed industrial development. A petition on Change.org has garnered over 3,680 signatures opposing the transformation of the land into a mega-site, named the Advanced Technology Center. Many residents have also displayed signs in their yards proclaiming, “No Mega Site in New Russia Township.”
In July, the Lorain County Commission Board received a $67.4 million state grant aimed at facilitating the infrastructure necessary for the proposed industrial mega-site. County officials have indicated that this project has been under consideration for several years.
The application and detailed maps regarding the proposed zoning amendments will be accessible for public review from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until November 24 at the Administrative Office of New Russia Township. Additional information will also be available online at newrussiatownship-oh.gov.
After the public hearing, the matter will be forwarded to the township trustees for further deliberation. As the community awaits the hearing, the outcome could significantly impact local development and future economic prospects in New Russia Township.
