A proposed self-storage facility by real estate developer Jeff Payne has received strong opposition from residents of the NorthWest Crossing neighborhood of Bend, Ore. The proposal would place a self-storage facility on a vacant 4.2-acre lot that currently has trees and wildlife. Some residents speaking against the plan during a public meeting this week wanted to preserve their view, while others said the facility could devalue homes, invite criminal activity and would not provide enough employment to positively impact the community.

More than 100 people showed up for a meeting on Monday that was sometimes hostile, according to the source. The property is already zoned for light-industrial use, including the allowance of self-storage.

"People are generally resistant to change," Payne said. "And, you know, there's a nice piece of property that is vacant, and I think some people think that life will always be that way."

Some residents suggested the self-storage facility could be acceptable if were moved to another location away from homes, such as near the local high school, but Payne said proximity to a main road like Mt. Washington Drive was necessary for the business to succeed.

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