Planning commission recommends approval of Global Storage PUD after neighbors raise traffic and nuisance concerns

The Englewood Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6–3 on March 4 to recommend approval of ZON-2024-001, a Planned Unit Development (PUD) proposed by Global Storage to repurpose about 9.8 acres at and near 2800 West Shenango Avenue for contractor and outdoor vehicle storage.

Staff Planner Eric Sampson told the commission the application combines four parcels, some of which have a split zoning that includes light industrial and residential. The applicant, Robert Beatty of Global Storage, asked to extend the adjacent storage site into the vacant parcels to create about 23 contractor storage lots, retain a small number of existing single-family houses for on-site offices and employee housing, and provide perimeter screening, landscaping and stormwater detention.

Sampson summarized staff review and recommended approval with three conditions: the new Union Drive access must be reconstructed to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, the proposed Decatur Street access would be closed to general traffic and designated for emergency access only, and the disturbed site must provide a detention pond for stormwater management. Public works and utilities staff participated in the hearing and described site-specific engineering requirements.

Public comment was split. Several long-time residents and property owners from the Chenango and Shenango neighborhoods said the site’s ongoing activities — commercial truck and tow-vehicle traffic, loud vehicles,…