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Lorain County commissioners respond to concerns about New Russia Township tech park and sewer loan

Lorain County Board of Commissioners · November 22, 2025

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Summary

Commissioners said Nov. 21 they are preparing sewage capacity and other infrastructure for possible future development in New Russia Township but cannot yet identify developers or tenants; they described the West Side sewer project as regional capacity building and said the loan is structured to be forgivable if the project advances.

At their Nov. 21 meeting, the Lorain County Board of Commissioners addressed public concerns about a proposed technology park in New Russia Township and the county’s role in building sewer infrastructure to support future development. Commissioners said they are preparing infrastructure so the county can be ready if and when private developers commit, but stressed that details about tenants or developers have not been finalized.

Commissioner (unnamed in the transcript) told residents that "we don't know who the intended tenant is, the intended developer is," and said the county's action is intended to prepare the West Side of the county for a range of future possibilities. He described the sewer work as part of a broader regional system to increase processing capacity and said, "the sewer project was a is part of a program by the commissioners and led by the administrators to prepare the West Side of the county for development and for progress." The commissioner also described the sewer funding as a "forgivable loan," explaining that forgiveness would depend on advancing and completing the project.

The commissioner addressed public safety concerns about emergency response capacity if large industry locates at the site, saying local fire departments and coordinating agencies will craft plans and that the county and state, as well as businesses, will help provide resources. "I would hope that not everybody is having money and resources devoted to things that may never happen," he said, urging residents to continue respectful dialogue as county staff collect information and work with stakeholders.

The remarks were presented as answers to comments made at a previous meeting; commissioners framed their role as preparing for potential opportunities rather than approving a specific tenant or developer. No formal action or vote on a zoning decision was taken during this item. The county indicated it will continue to gather information and provide updates as plans evolve.