March 29, 2021 Special Meeting

residential and commercial uses in the immediate area, and if the residential values will suffer at the top of the ridge. Mr. Heydt reported that this was not studied, and was not a rationale for this application. - Mr. Redwine asked if alternative uses were discussed with the applicant; and when the applicant purchased the site. Mr. Heydt answered in the negative, and added that many meetings have taken place with the applicant during this process. Mr. Redwine asked about alternate ways to change the zoning. Mr. Heydt stated that other avenues were discussed with the applicant, including seeking an Area in Need of Redevelopment designation, but believed asking for a use variance was the proper path. Public Comments: - Kevin Malanga, 57 Ridge Road; asked to have the Zoning Map brought back up and asked where storage units would be permitted. Mr. Heydt believed there were three, and pointed them out. Mr. Malanga asked about the philosophy of putting storage units in industrial areas. Mr. Heydt stated that though historically this was the norm, storage units have become more retail. Mr. Malanga asked about a specific point in the report referencing “open space.” Mr. Heydt stated that he meant buffering. - Manuel Lin, 938 Pleasant Valley Way; asked about the effect on residential property prices. Mr. Heydt stated this was discussed. Chairman Neuer responded to multiple similar questions; this question goes beyond the scope of the direct testimony. -Darrin Tobia, 24 Columbia Street, asked if CubeSmart ever needed a variance elsewhere. Mr. Heydt stated he was not aware. Chairman Neuer asked for there to be a question rather than a statement. Mr. Tobia asked about whether the steep slope limitations were specific to be next to a body of water. Mr. Heydt responded in the negative. Mr. Tobia asked about the strategy for storage was to build in urban areas. Mr. Heydt stated that he is not aware of such. - Joseph Vena, 34 Stone Drive, asked whether the proposed plan will create synergy with adjoining businesses. Mr. Heydt answered in the affirmative.