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Residents raise transparency concerns about proposed mega site and sewer expansion as commissioners approve Cresco land-representation agreement
Summary
Public commenters and township trustees said they were not being included in early talks about a proposed "mega site" and related sewer expansion; the board approved an exclusive representation agreement with Cresco Limited to help identify and negotiate 80–100 acres on the county's west side.
Residents and local trustees told Lorain County commissioners on Nov. 7 they are concerned about a lack of transparency surrounding discussions of a proposed "mega site" and related sewer expansion on the county’s west side. The public remarks came ahead of, and alongside, the board’s approval of an exclusive right-to-represent agreement with Cresco Limited to assist the county in acquiring or leasing a large parcel.
Rita (public commenter) and Eric Flynn, a Penfield Township trustee, said trustees and residents were not being brought to the table and expressed frustration with how the project was announced. Flynn told the board it is "really hard to talk to your residents when a project like this gets ... without bringing us to the table," and asked for greater openness and community engagement.
Will Schlechter, a Henry Township resident, said he respected the commissioners but urged them to "rethink" sewer and development plans, warning about rural quality-of-life impacts, road safety with increased traffic, effects on tourism and potential environmental questions tied to water use and discharge. Schlechter said there may be ways to capture data-center waste heat, but he urged the county to plan a development "we want, not because some big organization wants to come in and boost our economy."
Agenda item 11 established an exclusive buyer/tenant representation agreement with Cresco Limited that the board approved. The contract description in the agenda identifies a potential target parcel of roughly 80 to 100 acres located on the west side of Baumhart Road north of North Ridge Road in Vermilion with access to Lake Erie; the broker commission is specified at 8% of the total sales price or gross rent for the entire lease term. Commissioners and staff emphasized that the sewer project is critical infrastructure for opening parts of the west side to development but said the sewer is not "100% connected" to any single economic-development proposal.
Next steps: the county will proceed with the Cresco engagement and, per public requests, indicated an intent to continue public conversations about sewer routing, land use and community impacts.
