49°
The board voted unanimously to amend 300-75 in chapter 300 of the Town Code. Self-storage in the C-1 district was initially approved in December 2012, but Tuesday night’s approval added more cross-references from section 300-79 of the town code.
In essence, a self-storage warehouse is now a permitted use at the Staples Plaza. Previously, storage was only allowed if it was attached to an additional commercial use, rather than a standalone building. Use of the warehouse is prohibited from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
“We’re adding some pertinent requirements for self-storage centers that exist in another part of the code,” said John Tegeder, Yorktown’s planning director.
Ray Arnold, a Yorktown resident and former planning director, said instead of referring the reader to another section of the code, it made more sense to have all the requirements in one section of the code. In response, Tegeder said his staff made conscious choice to cross-reference rather than repeat redundant text.
“I think we all agree that one of the problems with Yorktown’s code is that it is so convoluted that it’s very difficult for anyone that is not completely aware of what’s in the code to find out what the heck they can do,” Arnold said.
Town Supervisor Michael Grace agreed, and said the problem dates back to when he was town attorney.
“The zoning code, really from A to Z, has to be looked over and revamped,” he said. “It’s a substantial project, and hopefully within the next few months we’ll try and make some inroads in it.”
Despite the complexities of the code, Grace was happy to move a few things around and make the process easier for Planet Storage.
“I think there’s an application now for this use in the Staples Plaza and the bottom line is that I’d like to move it along,” he said. “I think it’s nice to see that people are looking to re-invest in the town and re-invest in their properties, and I think we ought to be as accommodating as we can, and we’ll get it perfect at a later date.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Yorktown and receive free news updates.
