April 11, 2018

1 Min Read
U-Haul Self-Storage Project Rejected in Chicopee, MA

A proposal by U-Haul International Inc. to expand an existing self-storage facility onto the site of a former cafe was unanimously rejected by the Chicopee, Mass., City Council last week. U-Haul sought a special-use permit to purchase an adjacent site at 878 Memorial Drive and construct a new building there, according to the source.

The plans for the former Bridge Cafe, which has been closed for several years, included a 30-foot-high storage facility. During its April 3 meeting, the council focused on the size of the structure, noting many of the surrounding homes are single-story ranches.

“It would be a substantial inconvenience to neighbors and abutters,” said councilmember Shane D. Brooks. “The scale of the building would be incompatible to the neighborhood.”

The city’s planning board and zoning committee had recommended the council reject the zoning request. Several residents also spoke against the project during a zoning-committee meeting. “The neighbors were clear about it. I don't think they were unreasonable,” Brooks said.

The zoning committee also had concerns about increased traffic in the area, which is near the rotary at the intersection of Granby Road and Memorial Drive.

“There is a better use for that land. We already have a storage facility on Memorial Drive,” said councilmember James K. Tillotson.

Established in 1945, Phoenix-based U-Haul owns more than 44 million square feet of storage space. The company’s corporate sustainability initiatives, which support infill development to help local communities lower their carbon footprint, has led to dozens of conversion projects in recent years.

Source:
Mass Live, City Council Rejects Plans for Storage Facility on Former Bridge Cafe Land

 

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