The Newburgh Planning Board voted to have a letter written by Planning Board Attorney Dominic Cordisco to be sent to the Zoning Board of Appeals for their interpretation on the project “Shoppes At Union Square Phase III”.

According to records from the town, Phase I of the project plan was the current Cosimo’s restaurant and additional retail spaces constructed. Phase II was the second retail site that included current businesses such as Orange Theory, Jersey Mike’s, etc. With Phase III, the applicant had proposed a grocery store to be built in the rear on the undeveloped land but now has come back with a self-storage facility proposed.

“Currently what we’re proposing is a three story temperature-controlled self-storage area, that’s a 30,000 square foot structure,” said Kelly Libolt of KARC Planning Consultants, Inc. “This particular property is in the IB [interchange business] zoning district, so this is considered an accessory use.”

Patrick Hines of MHE Engineering noted that the project had been approved under the zoning code as a shopping center, which was the reasoning for the letter to be sent as the use has changed. MHE Engineering memo comments address the need for the applicant to be in compliance with the town’s tree ordinance requirements, height variances for the facility will be required and will require additional stormwater treatment.

Electric vehicle company Rivian had proposed to construct charging stations in Phase II of the project and would need to be addressed with their status. Traffic access points will also need to be addressed and further reviewed. The project will be subject to architectural review board approval and adjoiners notices will need to be sent out following the meeting.