Council reviews conditional-use path for storage expansion at 2005 Hawthorne Ave amid neighbor concerns

The 2 Rivers City Council on Monday considered a planning commission recommendation to allow two new self-storage buildings at 2005 Hawthorne Avenue, but with a firm condition: the new buildings cannot be occupied until the site is brought into full compliance with existing conditional-use permits for the property.

The recommendation, carried to council from the Planning Commission’s June 9 meeting, requires that the storage units “shall not be occupied until the site is brought into full compliance with our previously issued [conditional use permits] for 2005 Hawthorne Avenue,” a staff memo presented at the meeting states.

Why it matters: the site hosts multiple businesses — including auto service, landscaping sales/operations and U-Haul equipment — and neighbors say long-standing outdoor storage, tires and other materials have affected nearby residences and the riverfront. The condition ties approval of the new storage buildings to resolution of those compliance issues and to any amendments to earlier permits that might be granted through the normal public-review process.

Staff evidence and planning commission findings: city staff (presented by Matt, staff member) supplied site photos showing landscaping materials, stone and soil piles, outdoor equipment and U-Haul equipment placed outside the designated paved area. The planning commission found several areas of noncompliance; staff reported that some items had already been moved or screened between the June 2 council hearing and the June 9 planning commission review.

Neighbors and applicants: Nathan Schultz (resident, 2011 Hawthorne Ave) told council he remains concerned about long‑term upkeep and enforcement, asking, “How will we ensure that it stays this way?” Applicants and operators at the meeting — Ryan Ross, identified as Green Acres Landscaping/owner-operator, and Jake Ross of Ross Auto Service — said they have begun corrective steps and urged the council to permit the new construction while they pursue any needed amendments.

Ryan Ross said the business has already planted screening trees, noting, “I planted 50 trees there, last week, and then I planted 25 more.” Jake Ross described the project as a multi‑year family business investment and warned that if the city’s rules prevent the business from operating as needed, “If that’s not allowed, I might as well not be here in 2 Rivers.”

Process and next steps: city staff and commissioners discussed two parallel tracks: (1) approving the conditional-use permit for the new storage buildings with the occupancy hold tied to compliance, and (2) processing separate applications to amend the four preexisting conditional-use permits if the owners request changes to allow certain outdoor storage or other uses. Staff said amending existing permits requires formal application, legal notice and public hearing; whether fees can be consolidated for multiple amendment requests remains to be clarified with the city attorney.

Enforcement and monitoring: council members and staff discussed enforcement options, including complaint-driven inspections and the possibility of a follow-up staff report a year after occupancy. Staff said routine annual inspections are not currently standard and would carry a cost; neighbors asked the council to consider returning a monitoring report to the council in 12 months if the permit is approved and the buildings open.

Outcome at this meeting: council heard staff presentation, public comment and the planning commission recommendation. The planning commission recommended approval conditioned on full compliance with existing conditional-use permits prior to occupancy; at the time of the transcript no final council vote on the conditional-use permit and condition was recorded.

Background: the property has multiple prior conditional-use permits tied to different on-site businesses, including auto repair, landscaping operations and U-Haul rental storage. Planning and zoning staff and the commission noted that some earlier conditions were not being met and that modifications to existing permits would need separate application and review.

What to watch: applicants indicated they expect to apply for any needed amendments at the July planning commission meeting; if amendments are filed, the council could review outcomes in July or August.