The Clinton Township, Mich., Board of Trustees will discuss extending its 120-day moratorium on self-storage development as officials review recommendations from town planners this week on how to regulate future projects. Self-storage is allowed in three districts, including commercial, general-business and light-industrial zones, but officials have argued that storage facilities lack aesthetic appeal, don’t produce enough new jobs and hinder other types of development, according to the source.

In a report to the board, planners recommended removing self-storage as a permitted use in commercial business districts and installing tighter regulations on future development. The report identified 20 facilities that currently serve the community as well as two new projects under construction. Together, the 22 properties comprise 1.1 million square feet of storage space in 6,616 units, the source reported.

Under construction are a 250-unit, multi-story facility by 1-800-Self-Storage and a 280-unit, single-story project by Mini Max Storage. In addition, a second, 58-unit project by 1-800-Self-Storage and a 641-unit development by Lavdas Self Storage were approved but haven’t yet started construction.

“When compared to the number of existing and projected units within Clinton Township, it is clear that there is little need for additional mini-warehouses or self-storage facilities for the citizens of Clinton Township,” planners wrote in the report. Officials also indicated storage developments “threaten to take up the last remaining and valuable undeveloped and potential redevelopment properties.”

“Every community has [self-storage facilities], and we have more than our fair share,” town supervisor Bob Cannon told the source. “Enough is enough.”

The board is also expected to review an appeal submitted by Indiana-based real estate investment and management firm McCormack Development, which intends to convert a portion of the Baker College campus into self-storage. The developer has a pending agreement to acquire the building site but can't move forward due to the moratorium. A provision in the ban language allows property owners or business petitioners to request a hearing, according to the source.

Source:
Macomb Daily, Clinton Twp. Eyes Tighter Control Over Self-Storage Facilities