Residents in Lyndon Township, Mich., expressed concerns last week about a proposed self-storage development they believe could have a negative impact on the area.

The townships planning commission tabled a request on Feb. 16 for a special-use permit from Ronny Hamama. The developer hopes to build a self-storage facility with an office and managers residence on six acres at 9750 Stofer Road. The area is currently zoned rural residential.

The facility would include eight buildings, completed in three phases. The first phase would include up to 380 storage units. The plans also call for a 6-foot fence made of an opaque material and landscaping to blend with the surrounding community. The facility would be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

About 35 residents attended the planning commission meeting, which lasted more than two hours. Attendees expressed concerns over increased crime and traffic, and the potential negative environmental impact to the local watershed. Residents also had concerns about how the self-storage development would impact their homes property values.

Hamama assured residents the facility would be harmonious with the surrounding area and traffic would be minimal. He said the facility will attract vacationers who visit nearby North Lake. Hes also initiated a feasibility study to determine the viability of the proposed development.  Hamama owns North Lake Country Store and the adjacent gas station.

The townships planning commission will revisit the proposal at its March 8 meeting. There are currently three self-storage facilities in the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Dexter and Scio Township. 

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