Resident: 'Not the right fit' — 425-plus-signature petition cited against proposed 1601 West Main self-storage

During public comment, Sleepy Hollow resident Debbie Vernon spoke at length urging the village to reject a proposed self-storage development at 1601 West Main. Vernon said she has lived in the village 24 years and delivered several requests to the board: that the village provide documentation of application fees and payments related to the project, explain why the applicant resubmitted after a prior denial, and clarify why the public hearing was delayed.

Vernon said more than 425 households signed a petition opposing a self-storage conversion and that the planning commission denied the requested variances in April 2025; she also argued the lot’s B2 zoning is intended for one-story commercial uses such as medical or dental offices and said the applicant’s proposed multi-story metal storage buildings would not conform to the zoning. She asked the board to provide receipts or proof for previously discussed outstanding bills she believes were associated with the property.

Attorney Schuster and staff noted that the planning commission action and the public-notice schedule require the matter to be taken up at a planning commission hearing on June 22 at 6:30 p.m., and that additional notices will follow. Vernon said residents want clarity on the application history, fee payments, and reasons for delays before the matter returns to the board.

The board did not take action on the project at this meeting; the planning commission public hearing is scheduled for June 22, and the board will be able to review the commission’s recommendation after that hearing.