As of Oct. 9, 2026, County Commissioner Dave Moore said nearly 350 acres north of the Lorain County Airport runway would be listed for sale that week at $75,000 per acre. He described the move as carrying out industrial zoning plans dating to 1963.
Moore said the parcels have been zoned for industrial development since 1963. In August 2025, the FAA authorized the airport to sell about 218 acres bought with federal funds, according to the agency. The FAA said the approval barred uses that would interfere with airport operations and required part of the proceeds to support airport improvements. Another 106 acres were acquired without federal funds and did not need authorization.
Moore said roughly $18,000 to $19,000 from each acre sold would go toward airport projects, potentially including runway lengthening to handle larger aircraft. He promoted the sale as a growth opportunity and said the development type is not settled, though it likely would complement aviation.
Some residents disagree. Lori Joyce, who lives north of the airport, said her family operates a concrete business from their New Russia Twp. home and she wonders how new industry would affect it. She said neighbors want a balance between investment and preserving the area's rural lifestyle. Yards nearby display signs opposing a proposed mega site, referring to high-tech development on 1,000 acres of adjacent farmland, according to the report. Related coverage noted a zoning rejection for that proposal and a housing development dispute.
The sale comes amid a county budget deficit. Moore argued new investment could improve long-term financial stability by expanding the tax base through jobs, industry and homes rather than higher taxes.