Opposing Industrial Zoning Change That Threatens Village Way of Life
We are writing to voice our strong opposition to the proposed zoning change that would reclassify a parcel on Colony Lane from residential (R-1) to heavy industrial (M-2) use to accommodate Ronyak Paving. This zoning change would have serious and lasting consequences for our community.
Zoning regulations are designed to protect communities from exactly this kind of incompatible land use. Once the door is opened to industrial zoning on this lot, it becomes extremely difficult to close again—and we risk seeing it evolve into something as disruptive as an asphalt plant.
There are already serious concerns about the current asphalt grinding operations, including reports of asphalt dust settling on the nearby Burton school soccer fields. A simple online search will confirm how hazardous these materials can be. An asphalt plant would only multiply these risks—affecting air quality, noise levels, and the health of nearby residents.
While Ronyak Paving may claim they have no current plans to build an asphalt plant, approving this zoning change gives them (or future owners) the ability to do so at any time. That’s a risk this community should not take.
Additionally, turning a quiet, residential village street into a thoroughfare for heavy trucks—making multiple trips each day—would fundamentally disrupt the peaceful character of our neighborhood. The increase in traffic, noise, dust, air pollution and safety hazards would significantly reduce the quality of life for residents who chose this area specifically for its calm, family-friendly environment.
What’s even more troubling is the direct impact this zoning change would have on our property values. For many of us, our homes are our single largest financial investment. Introducing industrial activity into a residential neighborhood would almost certainly cause a significant decline in property values. In effect, this amounts to a taking—devaluing our property without any form of compensation. It’s fundamentally unfair to place that burden on residents just to benefit a single business, especially when there are suitable industrial zones elsewhere in Geauga County.
In fact, it’s our understanding that the Ronyaks have already acquired a sizable property off Mayfield Road that is appropriately zoned for industrial use. If their operations have outgrown their current site in Burton Village, relocating to that industrial property would be a far more appropriate and responsible solution.
We built our home on this street because we wanted to live in Burton Village, on a quiet residential road. Had we known that Ronyak Paving would eventually try to change the zoning on this lot, and have a truck access drive directly onto Colony Lane, we never would have chosen to build here.
We urge our local officials to protect the integrity of our village and neighborhood by rejecting this zoning change. Our quiet streets, property values, safety, and quality of life depend on it.
