New Russia Township Zoning Commission votes against 'mega site' rezoning near Lorain County airport

The commission recommended denying a proposal to rezone more than 600 acres of farmland to industrial use.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The New Russia Township Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend denying a proposal to rezone more than 600 acres of land near the Lorain County Regional Airport from agricultural and residential use to industrial. The rezoning request was tied to a broader plan to develop a 1,000-acre industrial 'mega site' intended to attract major manufacturers. Hundreds of residents attended the public hearing, expressing concerns about pollution, traffic, noise, light, and the loss of farmland.

Why it matters

The zoning commission's recommendation is a setback for the county's controversial mega site plan, which has faced growing grassroots opposition from local residents. The decision highlights the tensions between economic development goals and community concerns about the environmental and quality-of-life impacts of large-scale industrial projects.

The details

The rezoning request was submitted by a private developer on behalf of four landowners. After hours of public testimony, the zoning commission cited the proposal's failure to meet standards for public necessity, public safety, general welfare, and good zoning practice. The recommendation now goes to the township's Board of Trustees, which has final authority over the rezoning.

  • On Tuesday, the New Russia Township Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend denying the rezoning request.
  • In July 2025, the state awarded $67.4 million from the All Ohio Future Fund for infrastructure improvements linked to the mega site project.

The players

New Russia Township Zoning Commission

The local zoning commission that voted to recommend denying the rezoning request for the proposed industrial mega site.

Dru Siley

The vice president of development for Liberty Development Company, who submitted the rezoning application on behalf of four landowners.

Kellie Deeter

A Republican state representative who issued a statement urging county officials to pause the acceptance of $67.4 million in state funding for the mega site project and engage in more dialogue with residents.

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What they’re saying

“The proposal failed to meet the standards outlined in the township's zoning resolution, including public necessity, public safety, general welfare and good zoning practice. Testimony at the hearing pointed toward the proposal being a burden on the community.”

— Geoffrey Kudlo, Zoning Commission Member

What’s next

The zoning commission's recommendation now heads to the township's three-member Board of Trustees, which has final authority over rezoning decisions.

The takeaway

The zoning commission's rejection of the rezoning request is a significant setback for the county's mega site plan, which has faced growing community opposition over concerns about the project's environmental and quality-of-life impacts. The decision highlights the challenge of balancing economic development goals with local residents' priorities.