Greece BZA approves use variance to allow 61,532 sq ft of former Wegmans for climate‑controlled self‑storage

The Town of Greece Board of Zoning Appeals on July 21 approved a use variance allowing Morgan Britton LLC to operate a professionally managed, climate‑controlled indoor self‑storage facility within 61,532 square feet of the existing approximately 75,400‑square‑foot principal commercial building at 3640–3660 Dewey Avenue.

The board also issued a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), concluding the proposed adaptive reuse would not require an environmental impact statement. Mr. Wechsler, the applicant’s representative, summarized the record of public hearings on June 16 and July 7 and presented documentary evidence including environmental assessment forms, marketing materials and approximately five years of financial records showing operating losses.

Why it matters: The resolution represents an adaptive reuse of a long‑vacant large‑format retail building and allows limited commercial reuse without expanding the building footprint. Board members said the approval balances the property owner’s economic hardship claims with conditions meant to protect neighborhood character.

What the board found and required: In its written findings the board said the applicant demonstrated continuous marketing efforts and financial losses of about $387,000 over five years. The board concluded that the building’s unique size, depth and structural layout significantly limit its adaptability to multiple smaller retail tenants and that conversion to self‑storage constituted the minimum relief necessary under New York Town Law § 267‑b.

The approval is limited to the 61,532 square feet of vacant floor area identified on the submitted plans; it does not authorize self‑storage in occupied tenant space (about 13,868 sq ft occupied by CSL Plasma) or any outparcel buildings on the parcel. Conditions include requirements that: - Operations be substantially consistent with submitted plans and testimony; any material deviation require further board review; - No outdoor storage of customer property, vehicles, boats, shipping containers or contractor equipment be permitted; - Customer access hours be limited to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; - The facility maintain on‑site management available 24 hours for emergencies; - Refuse collection be screened or enclosed consistent with town requirements; - No increase in gross floor area or building footprint be authorized; and - The applicant obtain all required town, county and state permits (including planning board/site‑plan review if required) and comply with New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes and other applicable law.

Representative quote: Reading the resolution, the applicant’s representative stated the board’s action in formal language: “Now, therefore, it is resolved that the Town of Greece Board of Zoning Appeals hereby grants the requested use variance… to permit a professionally managed climate controlled indoor self storage facility within the 61,532 square feet of vacant floor area… subject to the following conditions.” That language was adopted by vote.

Vote and next steps: The motion to adopt the resolution and conditions passed on roll call; the approval takes effect immediately upon adoption. The applicant must complete any required planning‑board approvals and obtain permits and inspections before commencing the approved use.

Scope and limits: The board emphasized the approval is narrow: it authorizes interior adaptive reuse within the area shown on the approved plans and does not permit expansion, conversion of occupied tenant space, outdoor storage, or other uses not described in the application. Any material expansion or operational change will require new town approvals.