LORDSTOWN, Ohio - We're learning more about a "buffer zone" that's apart of the proposed plans for a TJX Distribution Center in Lordstown. 

Monday night the company's Vice President of Real Estate, Mark Walker, went before council. 

Walker said at least 100 acres, that's more than one-third of the property the company hopes to purchase, will be permanently donated as a conservation space. 

TJX is currently in talks with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to get details in writing.

"Including restrictions on activity, use, and alterations," said Walker.

Included in the talks has been the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, a non-profit committed to protecting natural resources.

"The conservation easement would restrict any type of future development whether that be residential, commercial, industrial. There would be none of that development allowed," said Alex Czayka with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. "Timber harvesting would not be allowed. Future oil and gas development would not be allowed. Those are all things we would come back every year and make sure are not happening."

In the end, the plan is to turn the land over to the Trumbull County Metro Parks.

"We will more than likely have a community planning process as well, look at what is the best use of the property whether it is for hunting, recreation or just be left in a natural state," said Zachary Svette with the Trumbull County Metro Parks.

But, the question remains will the effort be enough to appease Lordstown voters?

Those opposed to the location and rezoning, that has already been approved by the council, have been busy collecting signatures to get a referendum on the ballot. As of Sunday, the group had 150 signatures for each of the 7 parcels of land. If all of those signatures are valid, that's more than enough to put the issue before voters.

Lordstown issued the following statement about Monday's meeting:

We were pleased to provide the Lordstown Village Council with an update on plans for our proposed distribution center this evening, especially as it relates to our commitment to permanently donate a minimum of 100 acres of the land to be maintained as a natural buffer or conservation space. We hope that our engagement with the Ohio EPA, Trumbull County MetroParks, and Western Reserve Land Conservancy reiterates our commitment to donate this land as part of our proposed plans to develop this land responsibly. We continue to believe our project will be mutually beneficial and bring many economic benefits to Lordstown and the Mahoning Valley, including at least 1,000 jobs, opportunities for local college students, and financial support for the Lordstown Local School District. We look forward to becoming a contributing member of the community.