Nestle Expansion Plans Move a Step Closer to the Ballot Box

After a brief presentation from officials, Solon City Council voted Tuesday to certify the company's rezoning petition and pass it on to the board of elections.

That brings Nestle's plans to off Cannon Road one step closer to appearing before Solon voters on Nov. 8. Voters will decide whether to rezone about 18 acres from residential to industrial use.

Nestle officials say the new research and development facility will house as many as 120 to 140 workers, which in Solon. Nestle is already Solon's top employer.

Nestle had to gather nearly 1,000 signatures to get the rezoning on the ballot. The company collected about 1,500.

The matter of certifying the petition was handled at a hastily called special meeting – instead of during a regularly city council meeting – because of time constraints imposed by the elections board, said Solon Law Director Thomas Lobe. 

Lobe said the quick meeting was not Nestle trying to push the proposal through.

Because the rezoning will be approved or denied in the ballot box, Nestle now has to court Solon residents and convince them the plan is sound and will benefit the city. 

They will especially have to convince voters in Ward 5, where the project is located. Not only does a majority of the city voters have to approve the rezoning, but a majority in Ward 5 alone is also needed.

Some residents near the proposed Cannon Road facility have already expressed concerns about traffic and other related issues. Nestle officials said they are eager to work with the city, and will hold meetings with residents.

Come back to Solon Patch Wednesday for more on this story.