The Fond du Lac, Wis., City Council last week voted 6-1 last against a special-use permit that would have allowed a self-storage development in the Wildlife Acres subdivision south of Highway 151. Jerry Van Lanen of All Around Storage LLC was seeking to build a facility comprising about 300 storage units, according to the source.

Twenty-four speakers addressed the council during the Jan. 21 meeting, with the majority arguing against the proposal. Those in opposition cited possible decreased home values, security issues and increased traffic as primary concerns, the source reported.

“There is no fix for a mistake tonight,” Robert Oberbeck, president of the subdivision, told the council. “You need to make the right decision. There are no do-overs. Please defeat this resolution.”

Van Lanen countered that resident concerns were misconceptions and indicated the facility would generate little daily traffic. He also argued the facility would be clean and secure. When the council denied the permit, opponents applauded the decision, according to the source.

Van Lanen is also seeking a variance for another self-storage development he’s proposed in Buchanan, Wis. A board of adjustment public hearing for that application is scheduled for Feb. 12.

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