A new industrial park in Hudson will be the first of its kind in Ohio — an environmentally friendly site housing only green businesses, the developer and government leaders said.
John A. Shutsa & Associates is building the 136-acre Seasons Greene Eco-Industrial Park off Seasons Road near the state Route 8 interchange.
Developer John Shutsa Jr. said his company decided to construct a green park because many firms, including those focused on alternative energy, are interested in protecting the environment and want to be based in environmentally friendly locations.
“Green alternative energy is a big focus for the country,” he said.
John A. Shutsa plans to make $2.1 million worth of improvements, including installing a sanitary sewer, waterline and road. The work will include so-called green efforts such as controlling erosion, solar-wind-powered streetlights, and minimizing surface water runoff.
The developers also will seek LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification for the buildings there. A groundbreaking is set for 11 a.m. Oct. 24.
The developer is hoping to lock up deals with two companies: OpenOils, an Irish firm developing environmentally friendly oil products; and Patriot Energy, a business with ties to Shutsa’s family that wants to convert solid waste to energy.
Shutsa estimated that the park could house 400 to 500 employees one day.
The company is receiving government assistance for the project. The state is providing up to a $710,000 grant for the road. Hudson is providing up to $130,000 for the waterline. And Summit County has agreed to loan $425,000 to the company through the Ohio Water Development Authority to build the sanitary sewer line.
The industrial park is worth the public investment because it will create jobs and promote green businesses in the community, said Jason Dodson, chief of staff for County Executive Russ Pry.
“Our hope is that this will serve as a model for future development projects,” he said.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
