RED BANK — The borough will be getting its first self-storage facility, despite the objection of some residents who live in proximity to the site.
At last week’s meeting, the borough’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved an application to construct two structures on Willow Street to be used as a mini-storage facility.
William Duckworth, the owner of the property, had applied to the board for variances for a use not permitted, a sign to be mounted on the facility’s front gate, as well as a design waiver for a fence higher than permitted.
The two buildings being proposed would cover 17,129 square feet on a lot that is a little over two acres, according to Duckworth’s attorney, Martin A. McGann Jr.
The facility would consist of 300 rental units ranging in size from 2 by 6 feet, to 10 by 20 feet, and be the only facility of its type in the borough, Duckworth said.
"There’s a need for this," he noted.
The Willow Street property is located between Drummond and East Sunset avenues, and Duckworth purchased it from GPU Energy about a year ago, he said.
The property had been used by GPU to store trucks, equipment and power line poles. Since owning the property, Duckworth said he has used the space for basically the same purpose: to store trucks and equipment from his primary business, Red Bank Recycling, 64 Central Ave.
The area is zoned residential, but the property abuts a GPU power substation on one side and NJ Transit railroad tracks behind it, and, according to the professional planner representing Duckworth, it would be better suited for this type of light industrial use than to be developed for single-family homes.
"I would seriously question whether residential units should be developed there," said Raymond Liotta, the planner.
Liotta also said the traffic generated by customers from the facility would be 35 to 50 percent less than if the property was developed for single-family homes.
"This property would be difficult to develop as a residential use," Liotta said, noting the close proximity to high power lines and the health concerns that raises.
"We’re proposing something that would significantly upgrade the existing property," he said. "These buildings act as a buffer between the power plant, train line and as a buffer between the light industrial and residential zones."
But about eight residents from the area were not so convinced.
"Would you put storage space in your neighborhood?" Julia Straughter, Drummond Avenue, asked Duckworth.
"This is a residential area. We have little kids in that area," she said.
Duckworth responded by saying he owns two rental properties on Willow, and at one time did live on that street.
"Why do we need to develop every space in Red Bank?" Mary Cross, also of Drummond Avenue, asked the board. "I really don’t see the advantage for us as homeowners and taxpayers."
Despite the objections, the board voted unanimously to approve the application.
"I believe the evidence," board member James Erving said. "There will be less traffic than if it were developed as garden apartments."
Erving also said that recently he needed to rent storage space and was unable to find any conveniently located.
"As my lifestyle changed I found a need for storage space," he said. "This will be a definite site improvement."
Straughter said she and her neighbors will not pursue the matter because of the expense it would entail.
"What’s the use?’ she said. "He’s (Duckworth) got all the money."
Duckworth said he had hoped to start construction immediately, but will probably wait until spring.