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Westfield board approves special use permit for 20' x 100' storage building at 7880 Persons Road
Summary
After a brief public hearing and a Town Planning Board recommendation, the Westfield Town Board issued a SEQR negative declaration and unanimously approved a modified special use permit allowing Jeffrey Fortner to construct a 20' x 100' commercial mini-storage at 7880 Persons Road, subject to conditions on exterior storage, lighting and commencement timeline.
The Town Board of Westfield on July 2, 2025 issued a State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) Negative Declaration and approved a modified Special Use Permit allowing Jeffrey Fortner to build a 20-foot by 100-foot commercial mini-storage facility at 7880 Persons Road.
Supervisor Martha R. Bills opened a public hearing on the application at 7:25 p.m. in Eason Hall. Code Enforcement Officer Kenneth Shearer told the board he had received positive feedback from neighbors, and the Town Planning Board had reviewed the application on June 11 and recommended approval. The applicant attended and described the new building as identical in appearance to the existing storage buildings on the site. No members of the public offered comment during the hearing.
The board first adopted Resolution No. 50, issuing a SEQR Negative Declaration after considering the short environmental assessment form and public hearing record. Councilmember James Herbert moved the resolution and Councilmember David Spann seconded; the board voted unanimously (Supervisor Martha R. Bills, Councilmembers David Brown, David Spann and James Herbert voting aye).
The board then adopted Resolution No. 51 approving the amended Special Use Permit for the property identified as tax map Section 193.00, Block 1, Lot 46.1. The approval includes conditions requiring that no items be stored around the exterior of the building, that any nighttime exterior lighting be directed or screened to avoid nuisance to nearby properties or passersby, and that operation commence within one year of permit issuance or the permit becomes void. The permit also binds successors and assigns and includes a 10-day cure period for violations before potential enforcement under the Town zoning law. The motion to approve was made by Councilmember David Brown, seconded by Councilmember David Spann, and carried unanimously.
The board record notes the permit must be accepted in writing by the applicant before becoming effective and that the application materials and the Planning Board recommendation were considered as part of the approval. No timetable for construction beyond the one-year commencement condition was specified.
What happens next: the applicant must approve the permit provisions and staff will proceed with administrative follow-up. Any enforcement actions or future permit transfers would be subject to the conditions the board placed on the Special Use Permit.
