Phoenix-based U-Haul International Inc., which operates more than 1,300 self-storage locations across North America, is aiming to build a truck-rental and self-storage facility on 7.32 acres along Route 30 in Amsterdam, N.Y. The project would comprise a two-story climate-controlled structure, four self-storage buildings, covered boat/RV storage, portable storage, a retail center selling moving and packing supplies, and trailer and truck rentals. It’s jointly proposed by U-Haul and property owner Route 30 Associates, according to the source.

August 1, 2017

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U-Haul Gets County Approval to Build $15M Self-Storage Facility in Amsterdam, NY

Update 8/1/17 – The Montgomery County Planning Board last week approved U-Haul’s request to build a $15 million climate-controlled facility in Amsterdam, N.Y. Raymond Kiefl was the only board member who voted against the project, according to the source.

During the July 27 presentation, several board members expressed their concerns about the effect the facility could have on traffic flow. Osterhout noted the New York State Department of Transportation reviewed the business’ traffic impact and found it to be insignificant. “This is not a big traffic-generator,” he said. “There’s no special turn lanes or anything else. There’s no special accommodations that need to be made.”

U-Haul operates 11 locations in Eastern New York, but none are similar to the one it plans to build in Amsterdam, said Russ Dumas, executive assistant of U-Haul New York, who participated in the presentation. “This will be a two-story building, [with one floor offering climate-controlled storage], for when you have valuables that you don’t want exposed to elements or temperature variations,” he said.

The facility will be just south of the Amsterdam Diner at 4790 Route 30. Once open, it’ll create 10 to 12 jobs, the source reported. In addition to self-storage, the property will offer truck and trailer rentals, hitch installation, U-Box portable-storage containers, and moving and packing supplies.

The project will next be reviewed by the Town of Amsterdam Planning Board.

5/8/17 – Town officials received an update on May 3 for U-Haul’s proposed development in Amsterdam, N.Y. Osterhout provided a new sketch for the 68,000-square-foot facility and discussed its revised layout and design.

“U-Haul really took to heart the comments you had about the showroom being up front on Route 30, kind of flip-flopping the warehouse into the back of the building,” he said, adding official renderings were expected to be available shortly.

During the meeting, board members offered examples of structure aesthetics they found online and liked. Osterhout noted he would pass their suggestions to U-Haul’s designers before they finished the renderings.

Board member Anthony Verde also asked what U-Haul would do if the board didn’t provide design suggestions. “Most municipalities don’t have an architectural-review board, so it’s usually kind of a give and take,” Osterhout said. “The finances have to work out for the applicant. They can’t build a stone castle, so to speak; but certainly they understand you want the best-looking building they can deliver within whatever meets the economical pro forma of the project.”

Another discussion during the meeting focused wetlands and how the operator would protect them. Board member Peter Zabo asked how U-Haul would contain any oil or transmission leaks from vehicles stored on the property. Osterhout noted there are wetlands near the property, but no containment proposal existed. The RV- and boat-storage area would be fenced and feature lighting. 

U-Haul plans to request permits for curb and highway cutouts to the New York State Department of Transportation. In addition, it will work with local safety responders to ensure the site meets their requirements, Osterhout said.

A complete site-plan application is expected to be submitted to the board by May 22. “U-Haul’s intention is to try to build this year, so they will be actively moving that forward,” Osterhout said.

The project will require approval from the Montgomery County Planning Board as well as undergo a public hearing, the source reported.

4/13/17  Phoenix-based U-Haul International Inc., which operates more than 1,300 self-storage locations across North America, is aiming to build a truck-rental and self-storage facility on 7.32 acres along Route 30 in Amsterdam, N.Y. The project would comprise a two-story climate-controlled structure, four self-storage buildings, covered boat/RV storage, portable storage, a retail center selling moving and packing supplies, and trailer and truck rentals. It’s jointly proposed by U-Haul and property owner Route 30 Associates, according to the source.

The site is comprised of seven parcels north of Holland Circle Drive between Amsterdam Diner and Sievert’s Sports. U-Haul planner Jen Roldan and Brian Osterhout of Environmental Design Partnership LLP, an engineering firm representing Route 30 Associates, presented the site plan to the planning board last week.

Feedback from the board included a request to move a tractor-trailer pad to the rear of the layout to ensure the facility’s showroom would face Route 30. Planners were also concerned about the impact of potential traffic and emergency-vehicle access. Kathleen Tatara, an engineering consultant working with town officials, suggested U-Haul include turn radius in the site plan and submit it to the Fort Johnson Volunteer Fire Department for review, the source reported.

Roldan indicated U-Haul is willing to work with town requirements regarding design, landscaping and signage. “We like to keep our U-Haul facilities clean, but we also want them to be attractive and fit in within the neighborhood,” she told the board.

At the request of the board, Roldan agreed to provide artist renderings of the facility during a future meeting.

Established in 1945, U-Haul has more than 44 million square feet of storage space at its owned facilities throughout North America.

Sources:

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