Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 7/19/2023
LUDLOW — The Planning Board decided that they need more time before deciding of the proposed self-storage facility at 590-596 Center St. at its July 13 meeting.
At its June 22 meeting, the Planning Board discussed a presentation with Rich Kowalski from JLL Real Estate LLC, Tom Reidy from Bacon Wilson, P.C. and Lucien DiStefano from Bohler Engineering for a proposed self-storage facility at 590-596 Center St.
After a discussion with residents that lasted approximately 30 minutes on June 22, the Planning Board decided to continue this discussion at its meeting on July 13.
On July 13, Kowalski, Reidy and DiStefano were all present along with residents to discuss the proposal further.
The proposal includes adding a development with six storage containers located at 590-596 Center St. in the Agriculture Moderate Density Overlay District, where self-storage facilities are allowed with Planning Board site plan approval and a special permit.
At the June 22 meeting, residents complained about the hours of operation, noise, traffic and aesthetic of the facility in their backyards.
Reidy sent in a letter addressing the concerns from the community.
The letter stated, “Given the nature of the use and that the recently approved and similarly situated project at 279 Cady St. did not have any conditions on the hours of operations. The applicant does not believe that are restrictions are warranted however, if such a restriction were to be imposed, the applicant suggests a condition limiting hour of operation.”
Those conditions include operation from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. with after hours from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. with appointment and accompaniment by operator or operator’s agent.
The letter also compares the parcel outline of both the approved 279 Cady St. self-storage facility and proposed Center St. facility and includes the Agricultural Moderate Density zoning district allows the self-storage facility to be placed there.
The Planning Board just recently approved a special permit and site plan for a self-storage facility at 279 Cady St. at its March 9 meeting.
Reidy added, “This project is incredibly similar to that project.”
In a discussion that lasted over an hour with a packed room of residents stating their concerns against the proposed facility again, the Planning Board decided that they need more time to make a decision.
Planning Board Chair Raymond Phoenix said, “I think we have heard everything the people have to say about it. I think where we are at now is whether or not, we want to make a decision tonight or whether we want to close the public hearing and take this under advisement and take action on it at another time.”
According to Massachusetts General Laws, the Planning Board has 90 days from the public hearing to act on the special permit.
“We will decide at a future time and let everyone know what that decision is. If we don’t act within 90 days it is approved,” Phoenix said.
The proposed plan is available at www.ludlow.ma.us/228/Planning-Board.