The Charleston, W.V., Municipal Planning Commission has denied a request from real estate developers Josh Duncan and Donald Huber to rezone a residential parcel in favor of a self-storage facility. The application faced strong opposition from residents in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood, which is fronted by the Corridor G parcel, according to the source.

July 7, 2017

1 Min Read
Self-Storage Rezoning Request Shot Down in Charleston, WV

The Charleston, W.V., Municipal Planning Commission has denied a request from real estate developers Josh Duncan and Donald Huber to rezone a residential parcel in favor of a self-storage facility. The application faced strong opposition from residents in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood, which is fronted by the Corridor G parcel, according to the source.

The commission referred to the project as a case of “spot zoning,” supporting the planning department’s assessment that the development would be “inconsistent” with the city’s comprehensive plan and benefit only the landowner. Adopted in 2013, the city plan recommends a gradual reduction in land zoned for commercial development, the source reported.

About 60 residents attended the meeting to speak out against the rezoning. The city also received 19 letters opposing the application. The group was represented during the meeting by attorney Kelly Elswick-Hall, who cited concerns about increased traffic and told planners that existing storage facilities in the area aren’t at full capacity. Elswick-Hall also indicated a company connected to Huber had been fined $340,000 for violating the Clean Water Act while developing a property in Minnesota, according to the source.

Other residential concerns included possible losses to property values and the potential for crime. The project would also require excavating a hillside that includes some homes.

Commissioner Rod Blackstone urged Duncan to examine other suitable commercial properties in the city.

The city council’s planning committee will also review the rezoning application.

Sources:

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