To the chagrin of some San Tan Ranch residents, the Gilbert Planning Commission has recommended a two-story, 75KSF self-storage plan at the SWC of Pecos and Recker roads for approval.
The request involves a rezoning and minor General Plan amendment for the 2.92-acre site to allow the developer to build a two-story storage facility greater than 25KSF. The self-storage use is already permitted by right, according to planning officials.
Some residents of San Tan Ranch started an opposition petition against the project, which ultimately got 70 signatures. Among the concerns expressed were an increased in crime and homeless/transient traffic, neighborhood traffic impacts, noise, inappropriate use due to the proximity to Higley High, risks to school children, lowered property values, damage to neighborhood character, an increase in rodent populations and the potential loss of privacy due to the two-story height.
Planners and project representatives addressed and refuted the concerns one-by-one, including the facts that there are no exterior windows to look down onto residents’ yards, the automated gates would not permit random transient access, any rodents in the area are likely due to the vacant field behind the neighborhood, and other uses under the existing commercial zoning would generate far greater traffic.
Planners also noted there have been few proposals for the site because of its isolated and detached location, which they say makes it ideal for the proposed project. (Source)
