Residents used the public-comment period at the Dec. 2 county meeting to press officials on proposed data-center (mega-site) development and to demand greater transparency from trustees and other decision-makers. Several speakers also responded to a press release read into the record by the county about the Midway Mall sale.

Concerns about a mega site: Gerald Phillips of Avon Lake warned that a proposed constitutional amendment on property-tax reform could eliminate the property-tax revenue underlying TIFs, making TIF financing difficult. He cautioned that data centers “don't employ a lot of people other than construction” and suggested the county consider alternatives to TIFs.

Samuel Menges of Carlisle Township told commissioners he opposed the mega-site proposals because they could replace farmland and bring environmental harms. "This mega site isn't helping the world at all because it's pollution, it's cancer, there's noise pollution, air pollution," Menges said, urging protection of farmland.

William Zimmerman, also of Avon Lake, said trustees and some officials had not provided full information to residents and that citizens deserve access to public records; he said some trustees had told him they had been lied to and requested transparency on sewer routing and project costs.

Midway Mall update: A press release from the Lorain County Port Authority was read into the record announcing that Industrial Commercial Properties (ICP) terminated its purchase agreement for Midway Mall (notice delivered Nov. 26, 2025). The port authority said other qualified parties have expressed interest and that it will evaluate future options for the site. Executive chair Jim Miller was quoted in the release thanking ICP for its professionalism.

What happens next: Public commenters asked for records and clearer disclosures; the port authority’s announcement means the authority may solicit or evaluate new proposals for the Midway Mall property.