A zoning change that would allow a self-storage facility on Industries Road returns to Richmond Common Council with a recommendation for approval from the city’s plan commission.
The Richmond Advisory Plan Commission voted 6-0 during its Sept. 27 meeting to recommend the outdoor commercial zoning for a 6.25-acre lot on the southeast corner of Industries and Salisbury roads be changed to I1 zoning, for low to moderate intensity industrial uses. Petitioner Storage of America had requested the change to I2 zoning for high intensity industrial uses.
Tom Fitzpatrick, the vice president of development for Storage of America, said the company requested I2 zoning to be consistent with nearby parcels. He said as long as the storage facility is permitted under I1 it is “perfectly acceptable to us.”
Commission chair Bruce Wissel brought up the I1 zoning because once the land is rezoned, it can be used for any use permitted by the new zoning. The I1 zoning uses would likely be more compatible with the residential area along Salisbury Road south of the site.
If the zoning change is approved, Storage of America would purchase the land from current owner 5 Rivers Properties.
A site plan submitted by Storage of America shows 13 buildings arranged in a fortress shape. They would provide 72,500 square feet of indoor storage space. Fitzpatrick said a tree line along the southern end of the property would remain as a buffer between the storage facility and nearby homes, and the facility will be surrounded by a 6-foot, decorative, wrought-iron fence.
Storage of America is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and a Richmond facility would be its 42nd in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Missouri. Fitzpatrick said most of the Indiana locations are around Indianapolis, although there are locations in Anderson, Muncie and the South Bend area.
“I think this is a very good use for this land,” said Ron Oler, a Common Council and plan commission member.
Common Council now will decide whether to change the plot’s zoning and, if so, whether it will be I1 or I2 zoning.
A version of this article appeared in the October 4 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.