Howell's next proposed development: Self storage on Route 9

Alex N. Gecan, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read

HOWELL — A developer is looking to build an Extra Space Storage on Route 9 South at Sunnyside Road.

The proposed three-story building would have 78,016 square feet of storage space and 1,073 of office space, according to an application filed with the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The proposed building would feature 545 total storage units, from as small as 25 square feet to as large as 375 square feet.

Nationwide, demand for self-storage facilities has increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as those with spare rooms cleared them of belongings to make space for work or learning space as students attended school remotely and some professionals began to work from home.

A developer is seeking to construct a three-story Extra Space Storage facility on Route 9 at Sunnyside Road. Images courtesy Howell Township Zoning Board of Adjustment.
A developer is seeking to construct a three-story Extra Space Storage facility on Route 9 at Sunnyside Road. Images courtesy Howell Township Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The developer, K-Land Corp., would have to clear approximately 1.8 acres of trees on the 2.61-acre lot, according to a review letter from Charles Cunliffe, an engineer for the Zoning Board. The tree removal is necessary to accommodate the building itself, parking spots, driveways and stormwater basins, according to an environmental impact report from Highalnd Park-based Menlo Engineering Associates.

K-Land is proposing a 25-foot two-way driveway onto the parcel from Sunnyside Road, according to Cunliffe's letter. The storage center would also have 20 parking spots on site.

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Self-storage facilities are not expressly permitted in the area, so the developer will need a use variance, according to Cunliffe's letter. The developer will also need variances for its stormwater management plan, its proposed residential buffer and its proposed signs.

Cunliffe said the developer should be able to give the board information on hours of operation, numbers of employees and daily visitors, traffic at the site, pedestrian and car circulation, deliveries, vehicle storage and garbage generation.

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The developer is only seeking variances for the time being and, if approved, will have to return with another application for a site plan, according to Cunliffe's letter.

The Zoning Board is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Monday via Zoom.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Howell NJ: Extra Space Storage proposed for Route 9 at Sunnyside Road