We are expressing opposition to the proposed rezoning of the properties at West Republic Road and Farm Road 131 to a Plot Assignment District as identified in Planning Board Case #2176. An extremely similar rezoning request was made by the same entity in January 2021 (Planning Board Case #2123).  The same entity is requesting a slightly different rezoning without addressing the fundamental reasons that the neighborhood opposed the rezoning or the reasons the zoning board cited to deny the rezoning.

Our primary argument is that the proposed development of these properties does not fit the principal permitted use of the Plot Assignment District (PAD) zoning district. A property rezoned as a PAD should allow the property owners to do something special or unique that cannot be accomplished under traditional zoning districts. A self-storage facility is neither special nor unique and appears to be allowed under zoning districts C-2, C-3, and M-1. There is no significant benefit to the neighborhood or community for this specific R-1 zoned area to be rezoned to a PAD based on the current development plan.

Our secondary arguments against the rezoning of these properties are the safety risks regarding fire hazards, storage of hazardous materials, and increased traffic and noise related to 24/7 access storage units. We believe the rezoning and corresponding development will result in lowered property values for our neighborhoods, including Cardinal Crest and Prairie View Heights, as the storage unit will be too close to residential properties. For these reasons we are asking the Planning Board to recommend that the PAD rezoning application identified in Planning Board Case #2176 be denied.