Board approves amended site plan for Springfield Holdings self‑storage with drainage and safety conditions

The Township of Springfield Board of Adjustment granted an amendment to a previously approved self‑storage site plan on May 20 after the applicant described grading changes, new retaining walls and adjustments to building elevations.

Representatives for Springfield Holdings explained the proposal includes multiple buildings and raises some areas of the site on retaining walls, which the board’s planner and staff said will change the artificial grade around the property. Board members asked whether retaining walls located near the property line would require special construction or protections for adjacent properties and questioned how water that formerly flowed across the site would be managed once walls are in place.

Planning testimony noted that parts of the site will be elevated and that building peaks would be modestly higher relative to the new artificial grade; the applicant said the net effect is an increased plinth for the building area but described measures to provide safe access and fencing. The board’s municipal professional asked the applicant to include catch basins or other outfall measures at corners where retaining walls could trap water, and the applicant agreed to work with the engineer to satisfy that condition.

The board also recorded relief for a combined wall/fence height where required and discussed guardrails and safe edge protections for elevated walkways and drive aisles. After the town planner and professionals recommended the relief could be granted subject to the discussed conditions, the board voted to approve the amended site plan.