Oswego commission recommends special-use permit for self-storage at Orchard Way over staff objections

The Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a special-use permit for a proposed self-storage facility on a 7.5-acre parcel at the southwest corner of Lewis Drive and Station Drive, voting 6–2 to accept the petitioner’s findings and forward a favorable recommendation.

Staff had recommended denial, saying the proposal “does not meet the intent of the Orchard Way commercial development” and that self-storage is generally more appropriate in industrial zoning, not the village’s retail corridors (staff member, public presentation). Applicant Phil McAllister, the project representative, argued the parcel has been vacant for decades and that modern self-storage can function as a low-impact, well‑landscaped commercial use that will generate tax revenue for area schools and the village.

“Within 3 miles of this site, that ratio is 0.93,” McAllister said of a common industry metric for storage supply per person, adding that the shortfall “translates to about 300,000 square feet of storage that would be needed to even make it a balanced market.” He also estimated the completed project could yield roughly $80,000–$90,000 a year in property taxes once stabilized.

Two local brokers who spoke during public comment urged flexibility. Jess Shaw Folletti, a commercial developer and broker who said she worked the corridor for decades, told the commission the market is unlikely to attract national retailers and urged the village to permit uses that will activate long‑vacant parcels and produce tax revenue. Laura Thompson of Bridal Properties said she has listed parcels in the corridor for nearly 30 years and agreed that retail demand is limited.

Commissioners debated sight lines, stormwater management and design standards required by the Planned Unit Development. Staff and the applicant agreed that any changes to stormwater or site layout would require subsequent civil engineering review and separate village approvals.

After an initial motion to deny the findings of fact failed, the commission moved to accept the petitioner’s findings of fact and recommend approval of the special‑use permit. The roll call on the approving motion recorded six votes in favor and two opposed (commissioners David Rood and Charlie Pager voted no). The motion carried.

The commission carried the recommendation at the meeting and then moved on to the next agenda item.