A proposal to build a new Assured Self Storage facility in Mesquite City, Texas, was shot down on June 15 by city council members after residents objected to the project. The Assured Group, which operates four facilities in the state, sought rezoning to build a storage facility on 8.7 acres of land at the northwest corner of Clay Mathis Road and East Glen Boulevard. April Moore, project coordinator for The Assured Group, represented the company at the public hearing, which was originally scheduled for April 20.

Several residents and business owners spoke against the proposed development, insisting it will not add value to the community. Sonja Canida, the crime-watch leader for the Creek Crossing Estates neighborhood called the project “a huge eyesore.”

“A storage facility will not bring employment into Mesquite and does nothing to improve or enhance our neighborhood and city,” said Canida, who presented the council with 100 e-mails from other concerned residents.

The project could also have a negative impact on the local housing market, realtor Kathleen Hagler told the council. “This storage facility will not bring the value for people that want to come in and buy $250,000 homes. It’s just not something clients are looking for when they want to move into Mesquite,” she said.

Mayor Stan Pickett and councilman Dennis Tarpley were absent from the hearing and didn’t vote. 

Founded in 1976 by Don Valk, The Assured Group has constructed, operaated and owned more than 70 self-storage facilities in California and Texas. The company plans to expand its portfolio in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area by building two new facilities every year, according to its website.

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