Zoning committee recommends approval for Schwannigan Drive self‑storage project with conditions

The zoning committee recommended approval on April 30 of a special permit allowing construction of a self‑storage facility with office space on Schwannigan Drive (Parcel ID 0187‑0001B).

Jeff LaBelle, a civil engineer representing Patriot Holdings LLC, presented a revised layout: a roughly 38,000‑square‑foot single‑story storage building with two smaller outbuildings, parking and loading zones. The project previously received preliminary site‑plan approval and is scheduled for definitive site‑plan review with the planning board on May 1; the applicant must still obtain curb‑cut permits from MassDOT and a right‑of‑way/utility agreement with Eversource for work in an electric easement.

Planning and engineering staff recommended approval so long as the project completes the required SPRAC/ODRC reviews and meets department comments. The fire department requested submission of sealed fire‑access plans and an emergency‑responder radio‑coverage compliance survey prior to final approval. Committee members voted to recommend the special permit with conditions mirroring prior approvals: completion of SPAC/SPRAC review, fire‑department inspection and a prohibition on fuel‑storage or on‑site vehicle repair.

Formal action: motion to recommend approval of the special permit with conditions (SPAC/SPRAC completion, fire inspection, no fuel‑loading units, city inspection for vehicle‑repair issues); motion passed (Councilors Balakir, Shumsky, Wagner). The committee's favorable recommendation will be forwarded to the full council for final action.