Council authorizes application for ODNR NatureWorks grant to pursue Russell Drive land acquisition over member objections

The Solon City Council voted to authorize the mayor or designee to submit an application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks grant program seeking funding to acquire permanent parcel numbers 95609022 and 95609023 on Russell Drive.

The ordinance (introduced by the clerk) was moved for a vote under suspension and passed after a roll-call vote. Council discussion ahead of the vote included concern about possible future costs the city might incur if the grant is awarded; one councilmember said the grant covers 75 percent of acquisition costs and argued the city could be left with unbudgeted matching and construction expenses.

Councilmember Khan explained his ‘no’ vote, saying the application risks encumbering future budgets and that adding surface parking adjacent to Solon Woods Nature Preserve conflicts with the city’s walkability goals. Supporters, including the chair, said the motion only authorizes applying for the grant and that ODNR conditions and future agreements would address many follow-up needs and costs if the grant is awarded.

Motion and procedural details: the council first voted to suspend the rules in order to decide the matter at the meeting. The measure then received final passage by roll call; the clerk recorded multiple yes votes and at least two no votes.

Because this vote authorizes only an application, no acquisition or city expenditure is yet required; any future purchase or improvements would return to council for separate approval.

Next steps: the administration will proceed with the application to ODNR; if awarded, the council will be asked to consider the detailed purchase terms, matching funds and any construction or maintenance commitments.