DBR Commercial Realty and a Vermilion resident, Kathryn Craig, have filed a protest against Issue 7, a citizen referendum on rezoning approved by Vermilion City Council for property on Sunnyside Road. The protest was submitted to the Lorain County Board of Elections by Attorney Corey Colombo, who claims the referendum petition is invalid because the petitioners failed to file a certified copy of the ordinance with the city Finance Director before collecting signatures, as required by state law. The Board of Elections has not yet set a hearing and is consulting with the Prosecutor’s Office and Secretary of State before proceeding.
DBR Commercial Realty, led by owner Dan Reaser, plans to develop a mixed-use commercial and residential project, including up to 671 homes on 300 acres in Vermilion called Vermilion Landing Development. Despite initially not wanting to protest the referendum, Reaser cited the legal flaw and claimed his family has been receiving threats from opponents of the project. While he has not involved law enforcement yet, Reaser expressed confidence in winning the case and emphasized the importance of educating the public about the development through various media channels.
In response, Attorney Gerald Phillips, representing the referendum supporters, Concerned Vermilion Citizens, dismissed the protest as baseless, asserting that he has proper documentation of his filings with the city. Phillips also refuted Reaser’s allegations of threats, challenging him to provide evidence. He further mentioned his efforts to amend the Vermilion city charter to require voter approval for any changes to Planned-Unit Development zoning, potentially adding this issue to the November ballot. Phillips stressed that Vermilion residents deserve the right to vote on such critical matters, arguing that representative government often fails to listen to its constituents.