The Sterling Heights City Council held a public hearing on September 15, 2025, to discuss a proposed outdoor self-storage facility by 12 5 5 5 14 Mile LLC. The facility, named Red Run Mini Storage, is planned for a 6-acre site located on the north side of 14 Mile Road, east of Maple Lane Drive. This proposal is significant as it seeks to repurpose land that was previously used as a dumping site, which has implications for local zoning and environmental considerations.

City Planner Dr. Jake Parcel, along with Assistant City Planner Sean Keane, presented the details of the proposal. The site is currently zoned as a planned office district, but due to its history as a landfill, residential development is prohibited. The proposed facility will consist of 167 storage units distributed across ten buildings, designed to blend with the surrounding area through the use of masonry facades and landscaping that includes native tree species.

Key modifications to zoning regulations are being requested to accommodate the project. These include reducing the required front yard setback from 95 feet to 85 feet and allowing the facility to be built on a smaller parcel than typically required. The council is also considering adjustments to screening requirements, proposing a decorative fence instead of a masonry wall to enhance aesthetics.

The proposal has sparked discussions about its impact on the community, particularly regarding the visual appeal of the area along 14 Mile Road and the potential for increased traffic. The council emphasized the importance of ensuring that the facility meets environmental standards, especially given the site's history.

As the council deliberates on this proposal, residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns, as the outcome will shape the future of this area in Sterling Heights. The next steps will involve further review of the proposal and consideration of community feedback before any final decisions are made.