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Council debates zoning change to let two existing self-storage facilities seek expansion; referred to ordinance committee
Summary
A proposal to change zoning so existing self-storage facilities could seek special-permit expansions prompted debate about economic development versus retaining commercial tax base; council voted to refer the measure to the ordinance committee for further study.
Council President Seka introduced Paper 198-26 to amend the city's use regulations so that self-storage facilities in certain industrial districts would be allowed via special permit (SP) rather than prohibited (N), enabling two existing Malden operations to request expansion. Building Commissioner Nelson Miller explained that the current zoning prevents expansion because a prohibited use cannot grow without a code change.
Councilors split on policy: some said preserving existing business tax revenue and allowing limited, controlled expansion made sense; others argued self-storage is a low-job, predatory business model that the city should resist where it conflicts with master-plan goals and higher-value commercial development. Several councilors suggested the economic development committee and planning process should weigh potential impacts before zoning amendments are finalized.
Outcome: after discussion about limits and special-permit safeguards, the council voted to refer the paper to the ordinance committee for hearings and coordination with planning.
