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WARREN -- The Trumbull County Board of Elections this morning unanimously voted to start planning for an Aug. 21 special election in Lordstown over the proposed TJX HomeGoods distribution center. Absentee and military ballots need to go out by July 7.
However, the decision is contingent on opponents of the zone change to collect enough valid signatures -- at least 124 -- to force the referendum vote.
Lordstown Village Council on Thursday voted 3-2 to change zoning on seven parcels totaling 290 acres to allow TJX to build the center. Opponents of the change have until July 21 to collect enough signatures to place the referendum to overturn the zone change on the ballot.
The $170 million distribution center would employ about 1,000 workers and have an annual payroll of $27 million to $30 million.
Opponents of the change said they disagree with converting more residential land to industrial and that they fear the loss or home values and the increased congestion that placing more industry in a residential area would bring. They say there are other parts of Lordstown already zoned for industry that would serve just as well.