Nestle Responds to Opponents of Proposed Solon Facility

After some Solon residents formed a group by ballot to build a new facility, officials said they are committed to taking resident concerns seriously as they move forward with the project.

The company must convince voters to rezone land at Cannon Road and Hawthorne Parkway from residential to industrial so Nestle can build a new research facility for its frozen food business.

Company representatives say the facility would .

But some residents have said they are worried about traffic and noise and other impacts to residential communities near the proposed facility. A group called Solon Residents Against Rezoning has formed in an attempt to convince voters, particularly those in Ward 5, to vote against the project.

Nestle needs a majority citywide and in Ward 5 to vote yes on Nov. 8 for the rezoning to pass.

Roz O'Hearn, a Nestle spokeswoman, said in a statement that the company received a "generally positive" response to the project at its Oct. 6 open house and that Solon's city leaders have supported the project.

She encouraged residents with concerns and questions to attend the Oct. 20 open house so that the company can "share our plans and answer questions directly."

O'Hearn said the project is a signficant investment in Solon, but the company does take resident concerns seriously.

"We’re committed to doing so in a manner that is sensitive to the surrounding area," she said. "Mayor Susan Drucker and the entire Solon City Council fully support the rezoning. We hope Solon residents as well will recognize the importance of this project to our future and will vote Yes on Issue 95."

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