In a recent government meeting, Adam Niemeyer, representing Outrigger Industrial, sought a special exception for outdoor storage at the property located at 955 Graham Road. The request is tied to a distribution warehouse that is currently negotiating a lease for 111,000 square feet, necessitating outdoor storage for larger materials.

Niemeyer outlined several key points to support the request, including plans for appropriate screening and buffering to ensure compatibility with neighboring properties. He emphasized that the outdoor storage area would be adequately distanced from Graham Road and neighboring buildings, with a proposed 8-foot fence for visibility mitigation.

However, the proposal faced scrutiny from city staff, who raised concerns regarding the location of the outdoor storage in a side yard rather than a rear yard, as well as the use of chain link fencing, which does not meet the city's requirements for screening. Additionally, staff highlighted potential conflicts with designated fire lanes, which could obstruct emergency access.

During the discussion, board members expressed a willingness to find a compromise, suggesting that the outdoor storage plan could be adjusted to ensure fire lanes remain unobstructed. They also discussed the possibility of using a more visually appealing fencing material, such as cedar, instead of chain link.

Ultimately, the board voted to approve the request with conditions, including that all fire lanes must remain clear and that the project must receive approval from the Greenwood City Fire Marshal. The approval is contingent upon the submission of a revised site plan that reflects the discussed changes.

The meeting also included a separate request from Emily Martin on behalf of Ingers and Hauser, seeking relief from certain sections of the unified development ordinance regarding building compliance and loading area placement. This request is still under consideration as the board continues to evaluate the implications of the proposed changes.