SOUTH AMHERST — A crowd packed the South Amherst Village Council meeting Monday night as Lorain County Commissioner Dave Moore faced pointed questions about proposed development and wastewater infrastructure near the Lorain County Regional Airport.
Moore began by saying the county has discussed these projects for more than three years through township association meetings and county sessions. He encouraged residents to attend commissioner meetings and review agendas online. “A lot of people are saying they didn’t know, but this has been discussed for years,” Moore said.
He outlined several ongoing initiatives, including $814,000 in federal ARPA funds allocated in July 2022 for infrastructure along Baumhart Road and a $67 million state grant aimed at extending wastewater service between Vermilion and New Russia Township. Moore said the funding supports “western county development” and future readiness for growth near the airport.
He added that the term “mega site” has been misunderstood, explaining that it simply refers to large tracts of developable land rather than a specific industrial project. Moore confirmed that JobsOhio and Team NEO currently hold five-year purchase options on about 600 acres of the Sierah property as they recruit potential developers.
Several residents pushed back, accusing the county of advancing plans without transparency. One compared the project’s scale to the 200-acre steel mill in Lorain, warning that a 1,000-acre complex could “completely change the way of life” for nearby communities.
A local farmer said commissioners were “turning their backs on agriculture,” pointing out that the site lies within an enterprise zone, which could grant tax abatements that limit township revenue. Others raised concerns about noise, groundwater safety, and light pollution if heavy industry arrives.
When asked about public access, Moore said commissioners’ meetings are held Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. and Fridays at 9:30 a.m., adding that past evening meetings drew little attendance. That drew frustration from several residents, including former councilmember, who said those times exclude working citizens. Sis reminded Moore that village officials had previously invited the county to discuss development but “got zero answers.”
Some attendees questioned why the $67 million grant could not be redirected toward revitalizing existing industrial properties, such as the former Ford or U.S. Steel sites. Moore acknowledged the funds could be used elsewhere but said the county’s priority is upgrading infrastructure in western Lorain County and addressing Vermilion’s wastewater needs.
The exchange grew tense as applause and interruptions broke out. The council president repeatedly called for order while residents pressed for environmental studies, zoning guarantees, and public votes on future development.
Moore closed by stressing that the county controls only land within the airport boundary: roughly 470 acres of developable property, and that township zoning boards will determine what is ultimately permitted. Despite those assurances, many residents left unconvinced, saying they felt blindsided by decisions made without their input.