Development Eyed at I-77 and Route 82?

The city could be looking to attract some new business in the undeveloped area of Brecksville near Interstate 77 and State Route 82.

Mayor Jerry Hruby hinted during his Conversation With the Mayor address that the city is considering development proposals, adding “we will have more news soon.”

He went on to describe the burgeoning medical industry in Northeast Ohio, and how Brecksville plays a pivotal role — pointing out businesses like MediQuant.

Then, on Monday, city council went into an executive session meeting to discuss the “economic development and real estate” near the State Route 82 and I-77 intersection. 

No action was taken following the meeting. However, afterward, council president Greg Skaljac said that area has “had a lot of interest and activity over the past couple years.”

“We are hopeful that an outstanding opportunity will be announced and developed in the very near future,” he said, adding that he couldn’t get into the details. 

“Our economic development success has really been based on the great efforts of our economic development director Frank LaRose and Mayor Hruby,” said Skaljac.

“Obviously, having developable land or available buildings is the starting point. Most companies that contact our city all comment on the many desirable qualities our city has to offer their business and their employees: central location with access to all major highways, safety, outstanding city services, expanded potential employee pool, business friendly city government, lack of traffic, supporting retail establishments in our downtown area and a strong school system.”

He added that the area near Route 82 and I-77 is currently zoned for “office/lab” and there are no plans to change the zoning.

That’s in line with the voter-approved Master Plan that outlines zoning properties in that way, rather than warehouses, manufacturing or shopping districts. Skaljac said the current zoning generates more income tax revenue per square foot anyway.

“The more income tax revenue we generate, the less we have to depend on property tax to operate our city,” he added. 

An update on the plans is expected soon, city officials have said.