SHERAN – The Sherman Municipal Zoning Board conducted a public hearing about a proposed storage facility on Osborne Street near Interstate 86 at their meeting this month.

The proposed construction would consist of two metal buildings which would house approximately 75 self-storage units. Micah Meredith, who plans to build the storage facility presented plans for two 30 by 160 feet metal buildings.

Sherman Mayor Colleen Meeder read the drafted minutes of the Sept. 22 Planning Board meeting, which detailed the board’s discussion of the proposed storage facility, their recommendations and their referral to the Municipal Zoning Board.

The village of Sherman Planning Board determined the construction and use of the storage facilities would not detract from the village’s comprehensive plan, would not compete with downtown businesses, would not be visually offensive and would not detract from the natural landscape.

Subsequently, the Planning Board passed a motion to refer the special use permit application for the proposed storage facility to the Municipal Zoning Board for consideration. Planning Board members noted that the intent is not to supply utilities to the individual storage units, there will be no outside storage and there is not a foreseeable need for security cameras or a fence.

Sherman resident Peter Baker read a prepared statement in which he expressed his concerns regarding the proposed facility. Baker feels the metal buildings may negatively impact the character of the village.

Meeder responded the proposed metal buildings would be in an area zoned C2 Highway Commercial, which is described to be more industrial in nature. “There are metal buildings at Triple E Mfg., the State ‘Barn’ and Country Transfer Station,” Meeder said.

Trustee Gary Emory noted that out of the four corners around I-86, this is the only area which could be developed. “While it is the only developable area, it has been for sale and left undeveloped for decades, until now,” he said.

Trustees also concurred that since Meredith purchased the property, he has been maintaining it, which has made it more aesthetically pleasing when entering the village. Meredith told board members that he would be open to planting maple trees on the property.

Following the public hearing, Village Municipal Zoning Board members approved a resolution to accept the recommendations of the Planning Board and to authorize Enforcement Officer of Code and Zoning, Greg Gormly, to issue a Special Use Permit to Micah Meredith.