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THE LORAIN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
January 22, 2026
PRESENT: Richard Knechtges, Chair; Carl Wesemeyer, Vice-Chair; Garry Gibbs, Secretary; Butch Born;
Virginia Haynes; Bill Spreng; Dave Greenspan, Alt for Jeff Armbruster; Jeff Riddell;
Commissioner Marty Gallagher; Aimee Marcil, Alt. for Commissioner David Moore
ABSENT: Matt Hignett
GUESTS: Jeremy Krahe, Pulte Homes; Kim Polen; Richard Polen; Will Schlechter; Suzanne Marlon; Nicole
McCreery; Rob Ticherich; Andrea Barlow; Karen Johnson; David Roberts; Doug Weed; Amanda
Quimper; Robert Laeng
STAFF: Christin Brandon, Planning Commission Coordinator; Kelly Smith, Economic Development
Specialist
ROLL CALL & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Knechtges called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m., noting that a quorum was present. Chair Knechtges
welcomed new member Bill Spreng, and alternates Aimee Marcil and Anne Heczko to the Commission. Roll call
was taken. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
OLD BUSINESS
REPORT FROM NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Chair Knechtges spoke on behalf of the nominating committee consisting of Mr. Riddell, Mr. Wesemeyer and
himself. The committee recommended Carl Wesemeyer as Chair, Dick Knechtges as Vice-Chair and Butch Born
as Secretary. Mr. Gibbs moved to approve the officers, seconded by Ms. Haynes. The motion passed
unanimously. Mr. Knechtges turned the meeting over to Mr. Wesemeyer.
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES
Chair Wesemeyer called for the approval of the December 18, 2025 regular meeting minutes. Mr. Gibbs moved to
approve the Minutes, seconded by Mr. Born. The motion passed with one abstention. Mr. Spreng abstained.
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Chair Wesemeyer called for the approval of the December 18, 2025 special meeting minutes. Mr. Knechtges
moved to approve the Minutes, seconded by Mr. Born. The motion passed with one abstention. Mr. Spreng
abstained.
REPORT ON PREVIOUS ZONING CASES
Mrs. Brandon stated that the first previous zoning case was ZC-2025-14 from New Russia Township. The Planning
Commission recommendation was for approval of updates to the Zoning Resolution with two exceptions. The
Zoning Commission accepted most of the recommendations, but the Trustees denied all amendments.
The second previous zoning case was ZC-2025-17 from Amherst Township. The Planning Commission
recommendation was for approval of a rezoning from R-2 to R-3. Both the Zoning Commission and Trustees
accepted the Planning Commission recommendations.
The third previous zoning case was ZC-2025-13 from Eaton Township. The Planning Commission
recommendation was for approval of updates to the definitions with two exceptions. Both the Zoning Commission
and Trustees accepted the Planning Commission recommendations with the exception of number 4.
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OTHER OLD BUSINESS
Chair Wesemeyer called for any other Old Business. Hearing none, Chair Wesemeyer moved on to New Business.
NEW BUSINESS
SUBDIVISION REVIEW
Hickory Greens Subdivision – Revised Preliminary Plan
Mrs. Brandon reported that this is a relatively minor revision to the preliminary plan so they went straight through
to Planning Commission. Jeremy Krahe, Pulte Homes, explained that last month the Planning Commission
reviewed the plan for Hickory Greens Preserve which included a stub from Hickory Greens proper. This revision
shifts the lots to provide for that access. They also changed some of the small lots to bigger ones. The original plan
had 622 lots the new plan has 621. They worked with the township and a large group of citizens to come up with
an agreeable plan.
Mr. Knechtges moved to approve the revised preliminary plan, seconded by Ms. Haynes. The motion passed
unanimously.
ZONING CASES
ZC-2026-001 Pittsfield Township
Mrs. Brandon indicated that the Pittsfield Township Zoning Commission is proposing to add a statement to Chapter
4-9 Section D Roads and Culverts and Driveways requiring a permit before tying into a township road storm tile
and inspection by the road supervisor before backfilling. The Staff recommendation is to approve the amendment.
Staff further recommends that the Township clean up the wording a little. The use of the words “road tile” and
“storm tile” next to each other is awkward. This is a common practice for driveway culvert installation, or the
township installs the pipe for the property owner. But if they are talking about stormwater drainage, most
townships do not let you tie into their tile with stormwater. Mrs. Brandon explained that the road tile is designed
for the road drainage; not your personal drainage. Mr. Knechtges moved to approve the amendment based on the
Staff recommendation, seconded by Ms. Haynes. The motion passed unanimously.
ZC-2026-002 New Russia Township
Mrs. Brandon stated that the New Russia Township Zoning Commission has received a request to withdraw the
previous application to rezone eight parcels from R1-1 Agricultural Residential and GB-1 General Business to IP- 1
Industrial Park District and has made a new application to rezone now nine parcels. All of the parcels are on the
north side of Russia Rd between the airport and SR 58. Combined the parcels total almost 623 Acres.
The adjoining properties are zoned IP- 1 Industrial Park District to the East, GB-1 to the West and R1-1 to the
North and South. Most of the land use is agricultural with single family residences on the existing road frontages.
Since the area is adjacent to an existing IP- 1 Industrial Park District, the Staff recommendation is to approve the
amendment on the condition that there are adequate setback and buffering requirements to protect the existing
residential properties.
They were concerned about the timing on the first application so they are requesting to withdraw the first
application of eight parcels and replace it with the new one of nine parcels. Mr. Gallagher moved to approve the
amendment based on the Staff recommendation, seconded by Mr. Riddell. Chair Wesemeyer opened the discussion
for comments from the floor.
Kim Polen, adjacent property owner, reported that only 25% of the land to be rezoned adjoins an IP-1, 50% R1-1
and 25% GB-1. There are currently no businesses in the GB-1 district. There are 37 dwellings on property
adjoining the development and several parcels purchased with the intent to build a residence. All of the properties
are in an enterprise zone but most of the northern third of the County is in an enterprise zone so it’s not unique to
these parcels. Enterprise zone designation is not a mandate for industrial development. Eight of the nine parcels
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are listed as a farmland preservation area in the township land use plan. No where in ORC does enterprise zone
status exclude agricultural use. At the recommendation of the County, the township has already rezoned the
airport to IP-1, and to date nothing has been done with it. The plan calls for redirecting development to certain
areas. There are over 2000 Acres already zoned business and industrial in the Township.
Pillar six of the Lorain County Strategic Plan addresses maintaining and preserving natural resources. Once land is
removed from agricultural use the land is almost never returned to agricultural use. If the County recommends
rezoning all nine parcels, they are telling every community that their land use plans are worthless. The rezoning
would also eliminate the phrase “Zoned for your protection.” effectively making zoning worthless.
Karen Johnson, concerned citizen, objected to rezoning the parcels west of Oberlin Road. This rezoning violates
the township land use plan. Ohio Department of Development confirmed that zoning is a police power while
enterprise zones are an economic development tool. The land west of Oberlin Road was added to the enterprise
zone because the airport alone did not meet statutory requirements. This maneuver does not convert farmland to
industrial land, and industrial zoning was never in the land use plan. Ms. Johnson continued that the property
owners purchased this land knowing that it was zoned agricultural/residential and designated for farmland
preservation. The County should not rely on the airport’s rezoning as it suffered from procedural errors. Finally,
suggestions that denial could lead to annexation are legally incorrect. She urged the Commission to reject the
rezoning.
Bob Laeng, adjoining property owner, noted that he and his wife moved out there after retirement for the rural
atmosphere. He felt there was a lot subterfuge regarding this project. Your job is to protect us. Without any other
information, they assume it’s going to be a data center. No one tells the residents anything. There are Non
Disclosure Agreements (NDA’s) going around and backdoor meetings. That should be illegal. He felt this process
should be slowed down and get more information before making a decision. Are the utilities and roads adequate.
Elected officials should be looking after their quality of life.
Will Schlechter, concerned citizen, stated that he is a sixth generation farmer. There is already industrial sitting at
the airport. There is plenty of other underutilized sites that have utilities already. They should focus on the existing
sites. The County’s strategic plan completely left out agriculture. The public needs to be at the table. There are so
many people against the rezoning. There is a book with over 6000 signatures against it.
Andrea Barlow, adjoining property owner, stated that she has the book of signatures. She asked who saw this
survey. Some people didn’t even know about the survey until after the fact. She also had a problem with the time
of the meeting. Fortunately, she could attend and speak for the many residents who are against it but cannot attend
the meeting. Enterprise zones are not part of traditional zoning. It should be a tool of last resort and negotiated
cautiously. This project is covering prime agricultural land. Ms. Barlow asked if tax incentives to feed people.
There are OSU reports and findings in the comprehensive plan. She does not feel that the land is contiguous. She
felt that the Commissioners are not listening to the west side of the County. We want to be a partner; not just a
customer.
Doug Weed, concerned resident, announced that he and his wife recently bought their house near Baumhart and
Middle Ridge. There is overwhelming opposition against this plan. There is great distress regarding NDA’s and
data center rumors. He asked if environmental impacts have been considered. There is another rumor that the
people behind this project are requesting a 15-year tax abatement. There have been a lot of national news reports
recently against mega sites. He is opposed to extending water and sewer when there are other sites with utilities not
being utilized. Don’t treat the Great Lakes as an endless resource. There is already a decline in water levels in the
Great Lakes. We need to consider environmental impacts. He was at the New Russia Township meeting. There
were 400 to 500 people in attendance, and no one was in favor. He felt that the rezoning should be turned down.
Amanda Quimper, concerned resident, stated that we are at war here. These are lethal to live near. This is a fraud
upon the people. She gave verbal notice to cease and desist all mega-sites & data centers. We all need to wake up
to this is a new world order age.
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Richard Polen, adjoining property owner, indicated that in the 60’s people wanted to build a nature center so they
bought about 500 Acres. When they developed it, it was the landfill. His family lost half their land by eminent
domain for the airport. They were told how good the airport would be for the economy. The only thing the airport
was good for was to rent the land for agriculture. He has seen a lot of changes in Lorain County. We have lost
over 1700 Acres of farmland to development. The new wetlands in LaGrange are filled with harmful weeds that
farmers work to control and mosquitoes. A lot of our food is no longer produced in the United States. The Mall
was sold to a developer and nothing has happened with it. The residents have asked what is going to happen to the
land and no information has been shared with them. That’s what happened with the landfill. We do not want to see
that again.
Mr. Laeng encouraged the Commission to read some of the literature on how these companies acquire agricultural
land and the consequences of the data centers.
Mr. Schlechter apologized for the language he used before. He is very emotional about this topic. He does not like
the County advertising their property on the internet for development. He asked how they would feel if someone
advertised rooms in their house for rent.
Rob Ticherich, concerned citizen, stated that he and his wife have been looking for anything good on the internet.
If there is anything good, why is it not being shared. The lack of transparency is what brought him here. He
inquired what happens to the people who have to live with it. Mr. Ticherich felt that we should slow down and try
to find benefits to the project. He would like an open discussion of the pros and cons. He can’t find anything to
help the residents with this decision. It feels deceptive.
Ms. Johnson, concerned citizen, mentioned that last September ORC 519j passed which exempts company owned
parcels over 1000 Acres from referendum when they agree to make certain investment. This is a land grab in a big
way. Earlier this year, the minimum number of signatures also increased to 35% in 30 days. This is the government
trying to shut the people up and take their power away. She asked that we follow the comprehensive plan. Ms.
Haynes left at 3:05 p.m.
Mr. Wesemeyer thanked everyone for coming and providing comments. Mr. Wesemeyer noted that the
Commission does not change the zoning. We are looking at the mechanics. The property is contiguous if it
touches the airport which has already been rezoned. The street is not a barrier. He personally checked to see that
everything was contiguous. Our job is to determine if the proposal meets the requirements to be rezoned. We are
not telling the Township what to do. The Township does not have to follow our recommendation. He wasn’t even
comfortable with the word “recommendation”. We are just saying that it meets the requirements and is not spot
zoning. Mr. Gibbs asked if anyone from Liberty was in attendance. No one was. He asked if they were notified.
Mrs. Brandon replied that they were not. Staff notify the township and usually they will post it on their website or
Facebook page. It is also posted in the newspaper. Mr. Gibbs felt that Liberty should be at the meeting and would
have liked to hear their comments.
Mr. Gallagher informed everyone that he believes in property rights. Anyone should be able to use their property
for what it is zoned. Townships should control their own destiny through planning and zoning. He is not aware of
any plans for the property. If we do not rezone, we need to watch for annexation. ORC requires the
Commissioners to approve most annexations. He would be the first to admit to signing an NDA. He did not. We
are here to say does it meets the criteria to rezone. Mr. Gallagher agreed with the Chair to amend the motion from
recommending approval to meets the criteria. Mrs. Brandon explained that we use the term recommendation
because ORC requires the Commission to give a recommendation to the Township. It is only that a
recommendation. The Township will hold public hearings and make their own decision. Mr. Spreng noted that
regardless of our recommendation, it is the township’s job to decide. Mr. Wesemeyer explained that it will go to
the Zoning Commission first followed by the Trustees. We do not approve the rezoning. We only review it to
make sure it is not spot zoning, and it is expanding an existing district.
Ms. Polen inquired about spot zoning. She indicated that if the Commission won’t approve spot zoning IP in the
middle of farm field why would they approve this. There are homes that will be surrounded by IP. Mrs. Brandon
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responded that those homes will still touch residential on the other side of side of the street. Ms. Polen replied that
there are islands of residential on Oberlin Rd surrounded by IP. Ms. Polen noted that the Chair stated earlier that
the Commission does not encourage spot zoning. Mrs. Brandon indicated that this would be a good thing to bring
up to the Township. She would have to refer back to the maps to verify. Ms. Barlow understood that contiguous is
important but felt that the land use plan should also be taken into consideration especially since theirs is highly
agricultural.
Mr. Schlecter didn’t understand how they could just keep adding industrial and felt that there should be a limit. Mr.
Wesemeyer responded that there is not according to ORC. Mr. Riddell indicated that our focus is the proposal in
front of us and that is a decision to be made at a future time. Mr. Schlecter wondered why the Commission would
approve this when there is other underutilized land already zoned industrial with sewer capacity. Mr. Greenspan
explained this is a request from the property owner; not the Commissioners or Planning Commission. It’s up to the
local community to see how it develops. Ms. Polen asked what is the point of this meeting. Mr. Greenspan replied
that Ohio Revised Code requires the Commission to make a recommendation. Mr. Wesemeyer indicated that we
are only reviewing the mechanics; not telling the Township what to do. Mr. Weed inquired if the application meets
all the requirements, does the Commission have to vote yes. Mr. Riddell responded no. Mr. Weed felt the
Commission should vote no. Mr. Gallagher responded that the Township is not obligated to follow the
recommendation.
Mr. Riddell stated that he appreciated everyone’s comments and understands the inconvenience of the time of the
meeting. Taking public sentiment into account is not the Commission’s responsibility. It’s the Township. We
don’t initiate rezoning. The property owner does. Mr. Riddell mentioned that Lorain County is being marketed by
Jobs Ohio. The Commissioners made the strategic plan because we have some structural problems in Lorain
County. Our population is only growing because people are getting older. People in their 20’s-40’s are leaving the
area for better jobs. The Commissioners are looking at it from a jobs perspective. If the Township does not want
data centers, change the zoning to reflect that. The Commissioners are looking to replace jobs we have lost over
the years. Otherwise, we have to raise taxes on the residents that are already here. We don’t know who is coming,
but the County has been looked at by two chip manufacturers and wants to be ready for the next opportunity. There
is no NDA on this site. Ms. Barlow indicated that Mr. Moore admitted to signing an NDA. Mr. Riddell replied that
the NDA was for a previous project. The Commissioners are going to a trade show in May to market the County to
attract more jobs. Mr. Riddell indicated that the airport site alone is not big enough for a chip manufacturer. They
need to provide a large buffer for the use with no vibration. The Commissioners are trying to attract light
manufacturing to bolster the economy. That was the original plan when the airport was built.
Mr. Riddell was grateful that the residents read the strategic plan but if you read the rest of plan over 3000 people
wanted to attract more business. Mr. Greenspan elaborated that that the surveys were advertised on tv, radio as
well as included in the Commissions’ newsletter. Mr. Riddell added that they were also mailed out directly to
residents. Mr. Greenspan stated that two surveys were sent out. New Russia represents .07% of the county
population. The response rate from New Russia Township was .06 percent which is similar to the population of the
township. Ms. Johnson inquired if she answered both surveys would that count as one or two responses. Mr.
Greenspan replied one. There were over 3000 unique responders. Mr. Riddell added that instead of politicians
telling the people what we need, we asked the people what they want.
Mr. Schlecter felt the surveys were created not to include agriculture. Mr. Greenspan replied that there were two
think tank sessions. All of the line items were brought up by the people involved in process. Mr. Schlecter noted
that agriculture plays a big part in Lorain County. Mr. Greenspan replied that agriculture was included in natural
resources pillar. Mr. Schlecter felt this was a very small part of the plan. Mr. Riddell pointed out that the meetings
were publicly advertised. Ms. Polen indicated that the plan is a fluid document and should be open to review. Mr.
Greenspan added that there is a 5 year follow up planned.
Mr. Gibbs was not sure whether they should use the word “recommendation”. Mrs. Brandon responded that ORC
requires us to make a recommendation. Mr. Wesemeyer commented that the previous assistant county prosecutor
told them to use approve or disapprove the amendment; not accept the recommendation. The Township does not
have to accept the recommendation. Mrs. Brandon added that we can also approve the amendment with
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modifications. The Township can also continue the public hearing for another 30 days if they need more time to
make a decision. Mr. Wesemeyer stated that just as property owners have rights, so do purchasers. The Planning
Commission is only one step in a process and is not the end. Mr. Wesemeyer added that we are not allowed to take
public opinion into consideration. He is only voting on the mechanics.
Mr. Spreng asked how confident we are that we are not creating housing islands. Mr. Wesemeyer indicated that we
don’t create anything. Mrs. Brandon confirmed that this zoning would create residential islands along Oberlin
Road. Ms. Quimper felt that mega-sites are unlawful. Mr. Wesemeyer responded that we are only looking at
rezoning nine parcels. We are not approving a mega-site. Ms. Barlow added that Team Neo has options on all this
property and are advertising it as a mega-site. Dave Roberts, concerned citizen, felt that we need to know what is
going in before deciding. Mr. Riddell reported that Jobs Ohio and Liberty Development are advertising the site.
Ms. Barlow stated that the Commissioners went to Team Neo. Mr. Gallagher replied that there have been zero
conversations about the mega-site. She felt that this looks bad that they are not considering the comprehensive
plan. Mr. Gallagher asked if we could amend the motion to state that they are only approving the mechanics. Mrs.
Brandon replied that they can. Furthermore, he would recommend not rezoning parcels that surround residential
houses. Mrs. Brandon explained that there is only one large parcel that surrounds residential properties. There are
other houses that the developer has options on. Mr. Gallagher proposed to amend the motion to only include the
parcels that do not surround residential housing for the mechanics. Mr. Riddell agreed to amend his second. A
short discussion followed regarding rights. The motion passed with two nays. Mr. Born and Mr. Gibbs voted nay.
QUARTERLY LABOR FORCE ESTIMATES
Mrs. Brandon announced that the quarterly Labor Force Estimates Report for the third quarter of 2025 was included
in the packet for the Commission’s information. These results were delayed by the federal shutdown. Lorain
County’s unemployment rate for the month of September was 3.3% while the State was 4.1% and the Nation was
4.3%. The County has been on a downward trend since July.
CALL FOR OTHER NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Wesemeyer called for any other New Business. Hearing none, Chair Wesemeyer called for a motion for
adjournment.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Gibbs moved to adjourn. Ms. Marcil seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting
adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Minutes approved by: __________________________________________________________
Carl Wesemeyer, Chair
Minutes submitted by: __________________________________________________________
Butch Born, Secretary
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