Proposed 65-Acre Annexation from Amherst Township to Elyria Draws Resident Concerns

ELYRIA — A proposed annexation of more than 65 acres from Amherst Township into the city of Elyria is moving forward, drawing concern from nearby residents who say the potential development could significantly change the character of the area.

The annexation request, introduced during a recent Lorain County Commissioners meeting, involves approximately 65 acres of land currently located in Amherst Township. The proposal was submitted by attorney John D. Clark on behalf of petitioner Lulu LLC, represented by Sharon McCarty.

According to Lorain County Auditor records, the annexation area consists of two parcels totaling approximately 65 acres located along Bechtel Road and Fowl Road near the Elyria border. Both properties are owned by LULO LLC and were transferred on March 4, 2025, according to county records.

If approved, the land could be used for a residential housing development. Residents who spoke during public comment said they have been told the project could include as many as 160 homes, though no formal site plan was presented during the meeting.

Several neighbors raised concerns about how the development could impact flooding, traffic, and the rural nature of the area.

Sharon Mickelson, who lives near the property, said her yard already experiences flooding and worries that additional development would make the situation worse.

“My yard already flooded. It’ll only get worse,” Mickelson said. “With all that housing, somebody has to be concerned with the water runoff, street lights, all the roads that are going to go in there.”

Mickelson also expressed concern about the loss of open farmland and wildlife in the area, describing the land behind her home as a place where residents regularly see deer, coyotes, eagles, and other animals.

“I prefer to keep it a farm. I would prefer to keep it in Amherst Township,” she said.

Another resident, Dan Klooster, spoke about the property’s long-standing ties to his family and the surrounding community. He said the land was once his grandmother’s farm and described the area as having maintained a rural lifestyle for decades.

“I’ve lived there for 63 years. It’s been a rural way of life,” Klooster said. “People moved out there because they loved looking out their backyard and seeing nothing but cornfields.”

Klooster said the proposed development could bring increased traffic, noise, and street lighting, changing the character of the neighborhood.

“This is going to be a huge impact—not just for the people directly behind it, but everyone around it,” he said.

He also raised concerns about how the development could affect nearby residents, including an elderly neighbor whose home could be directly impacted by a proposed entrance to the development.

During the meeting, commissioners clarified that the annexation request is part of a formal process. A decision on the proposal is expected to be placed on the agenda for May 8.

Officials initially referenced a future opportunity for residents to speak further on the issue, but later clarified that the May 8 date would be for a decision rather than a public hearing.

The annexation is being reviewed under an expedited process, which typically limits the scope of public input compared to standard annexation procedures.

At this time, it is not known whether the annexation will be approved or what final development plans, if any, will be implemented on the property.