Planning Commission grants preliminary approval for personal storage site at 5225 Maple Dam Road

The Planning Commission granted preliminary approval on May 5 for a proposed personal storage facility at 5225 Maple Dam Road, a Blue Shore LLC application represented by Rauch Engineering and applicant Brian Fitzgerald. Planning Director Brian D. Herrmann presented the staff report and noted substantial portions of the parcel are forested; staff described an intention to retain non‑invasive tree species under the Forest Conservation Plan.

Brian Fitzgerald (applicant) said Director Herrmann had covered most points and described site maintenance, surface materials (pavers), planned lighting and the absence of proposed dumpsters or bicycle spaces in the current submission. Commissioners raised multiple site concerns: Commissioner William Craig asked about the Forest Conservation Plan and bicycle parking and noted possible future plan amendments; Chair George Brown and Commissioner Robin Stanley emphasized on‑site dumpsters and landscaping to improve aesthetics and maintenance; Commissioner Chan’ Tay Nelson asked about cameras and lighting.

The Commission reached general consensus that at least one dumpster should be provided on the property. Commissioner Craig moved to give preliminary site approval contingent on adding a dumpster in the final plan; Commissioner Nelson seconded. The motion passed 4‑0.

Next steps recorded in the staff notes include returning for final approval with required conditions addressed in the final plan.