A proposed four-story self-storage facility in Wheaton, Ill., has received resistance from officials in nearby Carol Stream and other critics who believe The Lock Up Self Storage structure would negatively impact a local shopping center.

BRB Development LLC wants Wheaton officials to annex a vacant parking lot in an unincorporated area that lies between the two municipalities. The company is expected to buy the lot from Chicago-based Centrum Properties, as long as Wheaton annexes the parcel and approves zoning changes.

Opponents believe the proposed 46-foot-tall building would hurt businesses at the nearby Geneva Crossing shopping center, which is inside the Carol Stream boundary. The facility would also be next to Main Street Market Place, a shopping center also owned by Centrum Properties.

Carol Stream board members passed a resolution last week objecting to BRB Developments plans, including concerns that the height of the storage facility would reduce Geneva Crossings visibility.

Steve Ruffalo, an attorney for the shopping center owner, Regency Centers, called the proposed self-storage facility unpalatable and unacceptable.

Our main responsibilities here are to do whats best for the city of Wheaton and our tax base, said Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk.

The Wheaton City Council is expected to discuss the annexation agreement and zoning plans next month.

The Lock Up operates self-storage facilities in eight states, including 13 in Illinois.

Sources: