Officials in Clarkstown, New York, are considering a code change that would allow new self-storage facilities in the city’s retail corridors. The aim is to stimulate economic development as the area’s retail landscape continues to shrink, according to the source.

During its July 14 meeting, the planning board voted unanimously to recommend the city council amend chapter 290 of the town code to rezone regional shopping (RS) and major regional (MRS) shopping to allow “mini-warehouses” as an as-of-right use. Self-storage is currently permitted in an RS zone by special permit and banned from MRS districts.

Clarkstown’s newly released comprehensive plan addresses the changes in retail trends. Amendments can be made to the zoning code as long as they’re in line with the plan’s goals. It also states that the town should “encourage reuse of existing buildings or the redevelopment of sites.”

“There are some empty ‘big boxes,’” said town planner Joe Simoes. “We’re looking at converting existing buildings, reusing existing buildings.”

The town has been approached by several self-storage developers who are looking to convert vacant buildings to storage. Stephan Matri Jr. of 21 Pralle Owner LLC has proposed transforming the West Rock Indoor Sports & Entertainment Complex, but will need variances to move forward with the project. The property at 21 Pralle Lane contains two metal buildings connected by a smaller structure, which would be demolished. Matri will then build a mezzanine level within the two large buildings and add a second level of around 70,000 square feet. The area between the structures would become an interior loading area. The property would also feature a 1,000-square-foot business office in one of buildings.

Another developer, Royal Properties Inc., is interested in building self-storage inside a 118,000-square-foot space on the second floor of a former Macy’s department store. If the zoning code were to be amended, the project wouldn’t require a special permit.

A public hearing to discuss the code change has been scheduled for Aug. 10.

Source:
RC Biz Journal, Clarkstown Seeks Zoning Amendment to Accommodate More Warehousing