The Lorain County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 7 approved an exclusive buyer/tenant agency agreement with Cresco Limited to assist the county in identifying, valuing, negotiating and acquiring a large parcel—described in the agreement as roughly 80 to 100 acres on the west side of Balm Hart Road north of North Ridge Road in Vermilion.

County documents say Cresco will ensure compliance with Ohio law, public procurement standards and applicable federal guidelines. The agreement sets the broker’s commission at 8 percent of the property’s total sale price or 8 percent of gross rent for the entire lease term.

Commissioners and staff framed the agreement as part of broader infrastructure work on the west side of the county that includes a sewer project. A commissioner said the sewer work ‘‘is critical to opening up the West Side of Lorain County’’ and that it affects landowners’ choices and the area’s potential for job and economic development. The board approved the item by voice vote after a motion and second; the clerk recorded the item as approved.

The item drew public comment during the meeting’s public‑comment period. Several township officials and rural residents told the commissioners they felt insufficiently engaged about large‑scale planning tied to the sewer work and to what some speakers described as a proposed ‘‘mega‑site’’ or tech park. Rita Canfield urged the county to include township trustees in planning; Penfield Township trustee Eric Flynn said trustees need to be brought to the table. Henry Township resident Will Schlechter described concerns about preserving rural character, increased traffic on narrow roads and potential environmental effects from changes to water use and discharge patterns.

The board’s packet and the approved motion do not commit the county to any specific buyer or to development approvals; the agreement authorizes the broker to identify and negotiate on parcels meeting the described criteria. The Cresco agreement was moved, seconded and recorded as approved.