Self-Storage Facility on Woodward Takes a Step Forward

The Royal Oak City Commission on Monday took the first steps toward granting a conditional rezoning that will allow a self-storage facility on Woodward Avenue near the Interstate 696 gateway area.

Commissioners voted 4-1 on the first reading to approve the rezoning of the vacant and graffitied Burger King site to allow construction of a 109,000-square-foot self-storage facility. (Mayor Jim Ellison recused himself from discussion and vote; Commissioner Kyle DuBuc was absent.)

The nearly one-acre site at 25538-25554 Woodward Avenue also includes a one-story office building located to the north of the former fast-food restaurant.

Nolan Real Estate Interests would construct and operate the new facility under the EZ Storage name. 

In May and June, the Royal Oak Planning Commission conducted public hearings regarding the project at the petitioner’s request. Commissioner Jim Rasor, who is also a member of the planning commission, had requested additional information about the design of the storage center saying the four-story building would cast shadows over nearby single-family homes. 

"It's going to look like a behemoth there. It's a 100,000-square-foot building," Rasor said. "It's got as much square footage as a Best Buy...It is going to tower over this residential neighborhood and block the sun out."

However, the initial recommendation by planning commissioners and the feeling of some city commissioners was that the project still would be an improvement for the area. 

"It may not be the sexiest project, but it will stabilize the neighborhood," said attorney (and former city commissioner) Chuck Semchena, who represents the owners.

The proposed facility will become a barrier to sound, noise and other pollution from Woodward, according to Semchena. He called the project a "unique" solution for the site, adding the triangular-shaped parcel and its location next to the Woodward Avenue underpass are the primary reason the property was abandoned. 

"I like that it's a conditional rezoning and the fact that it can be undone. It's only for this specific use. It can't turn into a factory," said Commissioner Peggy Goodwin.

The issue will come back on Aug. 12 for a second reading. In the meantime, the minutes of the June 11 planning commission, which are scheduled to be approved tonight, will be reviewed for additional recommendations.