Walton Hills village council approved a significant land option agreement in late June that could bring a battery storage facility to the community and generate substantial revenue for the village.
The council unanimously approved an option agreement with Counterflow Energy LLC for a 2.6-acre property valued at approximately $500,000 per acre. The company will pay the village up to $5,000 annually in taxes during the option period, with an additional $25,000 contribution if they complete the purchase.
The battery storage project requires extensive regulatory approval before moving forward. During the option period, Counterflow Energy will navigate state and federal permitting processes for the facility.
Council members noted the property’s unique shape and location make it well-suited for this type of industrial use, with limited alternative development opportunities.
In other business, council addressed the completion of a decade-long environmental cleanup project. The village recorded an environmental covenant for the former Bedford Anodizing Company property at 710 Crick Road, officially documenting EPA remediation work completed at the contaminated site.
The property came to the village through tax foreclosure after Bedford Anodizing Company vacated the site without completing required cleanup work. Multiple federal grants funded the assessment and remediation process.
Officials said the land bank may assist with demolishing the remaining structure once the covenant is recorded, potentially making the property available for future development.
Council also approved emergency repairs to the village’s surveillance camera system. Many cameras throughout the village and at TG Young Park had failed due to age and extreme heat damage.
The $25,000 upgrade replaced 15 cameras with a new 16-channel system, including monitors and recording equipment. Council members emphasized the importance of maintaining security coverage for residents and village facilities.
After a four-year delay, council voted to send proposed solar panel regulations to the planning commission for review. The ordinance would establish rules for both roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar installations in the village.
The regulations include requirements for equipment screening, glare prevention, and restrictions on advertising visible from off-premises.
Discover more from Northeast Ohio News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
