A proposal to build a self-storage facility on Old Marlton Pike that would be nearly three times the permitted building size was denied Wednesday night by the Medford zoning board.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment's 6-1 vote to deny variances came after the second meeting during which neighbors protested the size of the project by developer Fieldstone Associates.Â
Fieldstone Associates reduced the proposed size of the storage building by 21% between the meetings and showed renderings of a red building that made the structure, at the bend in Old Marlton Pike near Route 70, take on a barn-like appearance.
The new size was 94,100 square feet, compared with 35,000 square feet permitted under zoning. The initial proposal called for 972 storage units and the revised proposal was for 766 units, according to the developer's representatives.
But neighbors continued to object, saying the size of the project was too large for the lot and that it would have a negative impact on property values and the quality of their lives.Â
The board voted on a motion to deny from Robert Simmers. The lone vote against denying the project was from board member James Pullman. If the motion had been to approve the variances, five votes in favor would have been needed.
Board chair Salvatore Cocivera said that while the use for the 4.4-acre site was suitable, and probably with a lower impact than other potential uses, the size of the project was a concern.
Nearby residents were adamant in their displeasure over the plan.
"If this thing is built, it's going to be in my backyard, it's going to be right in my face," said Richard Sopala, who lives on Bellwether Court next to the property. "This is very disappointing that something like this would be a possibility to be built in Medford."
Rendering of the proposed storage facility shows the facility with a barn theme. This proposal was denied a year ago.
Fieldstone representatives several times said other permitted uses for the property include fast-food restaurants, office buildings, daycare centers and banks. They maintained the storage facility would have a lower impact, including on traffic volume, than the other uses.
"I think counsel (Fieldstone lawyer Patrick F. McAndrew)Â and his experts used the term 'fast food' more times than I've heard ever in an hour and I think that was on purpose," said Timothy Stauss of Bellwether Court. "I think that this was an underlying threat to say 'Hey, you better approve this because otherwise there is going to be a Wendy's and a McDonald's right next door.' "
Stauss said they were empty threats because the traffic on Old Marlton Pike is not enough to support a fast-food operation.Â
"I look at this as common sense," he said. "It's too big. It just doesn't fit."
