The Watertown Planning Commission on Aug. 7 granted a one-year extension for a previously approved conditional use allowing contractor shops, storage yards and storage units at a development site near the interstate north of My Place Hotel.
Staff said the original approval was granted on 08/08/2024 and the extension request — prompted by a change in developer after the previous developer passed away — would preserve the permitted uses for another year while the new owners pursue development. The commission approved the extension with a specific condition tied to Lot 3: if shipping containers (rail or cargo containers used for storage) are placed on Lot 3, the interstate-facing west property line of Lot 3 must be screened with 6- to 8-foot evergreen plantings to provide a visual buffer.
A prospective purchaser, Bjorn Kimbell, told the commission the storage containers would be a temporary measure during initial construction and that the planned long-term use is contractor-shop buildings. "The storage containers would be very temporary use... they would probably go once the contractor shops were constructed," Kimbell said.
Board members and staff discussed sightlines along the interstate and the need to balance visibility from the highway with screening requirements; staff recommended screening only if shipping containers were used because shipping containers present continuous visual impact not found with conventional buildings. The ordinance does not define "shipping container" precisely, staff said, but the condition was framed to address that specific scenario.
The commission voted to extend the conditional-use permit for one year and attached the screening requirement for Lot 3 if containers are used. Staff reminded the new owners that a future building-permit review will verify landscaping, setbacks and other ordinance requirements before permanent structures are built.
Next steps: the purchasers may proceed with their development plans under the extended approval; if they place containers on Lot 3 they must install the required evergreen screening; staff will verify compliance during permit review.