Avon Lake residents tell Lorain County commissioners proposed regional water lease is 'not feasible'

During the public-comment portion of the Jan. 16 meeting, two Avon Lake residents told commissioners they oppose a proposed regional water/lease transaction and asked for clearer project details.

Gerald Phillips, identifying himself as an Avon Lake resident, called the proposal "not feasible," said Avon Lake would not provide working capital, and criticized the feasibility study’s projections. Phillips said the study showed $2.9 million in cash flow in one year and that five‑year projections were marginal; he said Avon Lake would not fund working capital or allow the county to do so on the city’s behalf. "If the public officials in my city of Avon Lake make that terrible decision and approve it in this form, you can rest assured I, as a resident in Avon Lake, will appeal that when it gets to probate court," Phillips said.

William Zimmerman, also of Avon Lake, amplified those concerns and called the item "dead" in Avon Lake. Zimmerman asked specifically whether a map or site plan exists showing where workforce-housing infrastructure (sewer and water extensions, road improvements, capital assistance) would be placed and where interested residents could review that information.

Commissioners did not take immediate formal action on the public comments during that period. The remarks were entered into the record and will be part of the file for items later in the agenda related to sewer and development projects.