Hundreds of residents gathered at a public hearing in New Russia Township, Ohio, to oppose a proposal to rezone more than 600 acres of farmland to industrial use for a mega site near Lorain County Regional Airport. The proposal, supported by $67.4 million in state funding, is intended to attract large-scale manufacturers and stimulate regional economic growth. The public hearing, which was attended by hundreds of farmers, retirees, young families, and children, was marked by the potential loss of a rural way of life. The vote on the rezoning request has been postponed until March 17. Residents have criticized lack of transparency from county officials and economic development organizations, and questioned the identity of end users, the impact on utility rates, road infrastructure, and the site's acreage.