Ogden Town Board members heard some positive feedback as well as some continued concerns regarding their latest attempt to create acceptable changes to the town’s zoning for self-service storage facilities.
During their regular meeting Wednesday, February 12, council members held a public hearing regarding Introductory Local Law #2-2014 Self-Service Storage Facilities.
The newly proposed law creates a self-service storage overlay district in the town which provides a procedure for siting the facilities within listed zoning districts of the town. It also requires Town Board approval of applications as well as site plan approval from the Planning Board and a conditional use permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Duane Gaul, who said he spoke both for himself and his neighbors, said he feels the self-service storage facilities should only be permitted in light industrial and general commercial districts.
He said there is commercial land available on Buffalo Rd. and argued – based on his research – that one “good-sized” self service storage facility would meet the needs of the town.
He said the facilities do not belong in residential districts, “… it doesn’t make sense to allow (them) in a residential area,” Gaul said.
Chris Haag agreed. “I wouldn’t want one of these ugly buildings in my neighborhood,” he said.
Frank Rakoski said he, too, has concerns over permitting the facilities in a residential area, but added that he can live with the re-zoning as it is proposed.
“I appreciate all the effort that has gone into this,” he told council members.
Rakoski said the Town Board listened to residents and took their concerns to heart. He called the overlay district a “creative solution.”
Teresa Fletcher also thanked the board. “I believe that you did listen,” she said, “… it’s greatly appreciated.”
In all, five people spoke during the hearing which lasted about 40 minutes.
Ogden Supervisor Gay Lenhard reassured residents that she believes the process that will be put in place by the new code will address their concerns.
“We never take anything lightly,” she said of developers who approach the town with plans. “We’re the first ones to say, ‘What about this? What about that?’”
She noted the new code will put many safeguards in place in the approval process. “Nobody’s going to put up a piece of junk,” she said, and added that the new code “will work for the benefit of residents and applicants.”
There were no resolutions regarding Introductory Local Law #2-2014 on the February 12 agenda.
