A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about a developer who was hoping to build a self-storage facility adjacent to residential (In the Zone). The man, who had owned the land for years, was even willing to agree to a zoning stipulation. If approved, the zoning would be in affect only as long as the property was self-storage. If the developer sold the property or desired to build something else, the property would revert back to its original zoning status.

This week, there’s another zoning news item. The Bixby Bulletin in Bixby, Okla., reports citizens from the Park at Southwood are in an uproar about a potential storage facility in their neighborhood.
Homeowners turned out in force at the Bixby City Council meeting last week to show their opposition to changing the zone from agricultural to office.

One councilman, who represents the area in question, said he felt storage would fill an unmet need in the area. The president of the homeowners’ association disagreed, pointing out that there were already a number of facilities in the area. According to him, of the 107 homeowners he spoke with, 105 said they were opposed to the project. He also sited traffic issues and the potential devaluation of homes as opposing points.

So my question is, if the neighborhood is adamantly opposed to your project, do you continue? Think of the ramifications. What if they picket during construction, your grand opening and beyond? Or they simply stay away and tell everyone they know to stay away? Is the spot that desirable you’d be willing to weather the bad press and negative atmosphere? Or do you move forward and try to woo the community? How can you turn them around?

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