Residents voice opposition to proposed 'mega site' at Lorain County commissioners meeting

Six members of the public addressed the Lorain County Board of Commissioners during the Nov. 4 public-comment period, with multiple speakers urging the board to hear and act on community concerns about a proposed large "mega site" development.

Andrea Barlow of New Russia Township said hundreds of county residents would attend if they could, and asked commissioners to consider the impacts on farmers, homeowners and property values. "We are scared. We're concerned," she said, asking the board to "hear the people of that community out."

Sue Barber of North Ridgeville said she had only recently learned of the proposal and criticized other mega-site projects she has researched as "horrific to the communities surrounding it," urging the county to weigh long-term environmental and community impacts against short-term fiscal gains.

Dave Roberts, speaking for a local committee, said citizens will "hold you guys accountable" and warned of potential legal and civic challenges if officials do not review the matter fully. Sharon Mickelson, an Elyria resident who lives adjacent to the proposed site, said the project would consume thousands of acres near her property and said she did not want it for her grandchildren.

Commissioners took the comments but did not announce any immediate action; some speakers said they had posted or attended previous public meetings in affected villages and asked the board to give direct community hearings.