Round Two: Proposed height of Morris Street storage center reduced, Nov. 29

morris street redev poster
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morris street redev poster

UPDATE: THIS VERSION CONTAINS ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT THE PROPOSAL

By Kevin Coughlin

The developer of a controversial storage facility proposed for Morris Street has knocked one story off the five story plans, according to Morristown’s town planner.

A public information session on this revised four-story proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, from 7 pm to 8 pm at town hall, in the third-floor seniors center.

A July hearing drew a huge crowd and lots of questions.

In addition to the lowered height, town Planner Phil Abramson said on Tuesday that other potential revisions include:

  • Increased green space in front yard along Morris street, and more greenery throughout.
  • An updated architectural strategy involving both the design approach and materials, to “better reflect art-based programming.”
  • Consideration of off-site public improvements.
A five-story, 100,000-square-foot self-storage facility and artists studio is proposed for this location on Morris Street. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
A five-story, 100,000-square-foot self-storage facility and artists studio is proposed for this location on Morris Street. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Initial plans from Hampshire Properties called for a five story, 100,000-plus-square-foot structure on a property that formerly housed Milelli’s Auto Service and Towing and an oil distribution operation.

The proposal also included a 2,600-square-foot art studio, to be run by the nonprofit Morris Arts.

Planning officials have said zoning revisions probably would be required; the Morris Street redevelopment plan does not include storage facilities as permitted uses, and the business zone only allows three-story structures.

Opponents of the original plan voiced aesthetic concerns about the building’s height and façade, and about its use.

Residents said a storage center contradicts prior town plans to transform Morris Street into a residential gateway to Morristown.

Proposed site of Morris Street storage facility is in center of this aerial shot. Photo courtesy of Topology.
Proposed site of Morris Street storage facility is in center of this aerial shot. Photo courtesy of Topology.

 

5 COMMENTS

  1. Turn it into an urban center. Artist space, culture/community center, international foods, and tech/ innovation hub. Parking a must. Could also try to get WeWorks in.

  2. Why not consider using the space for any business that may also be thought of as a “Quiet Center.” A place where there is no loud music being played, no cell phone use permitted, no coffee served, and comfortable chairs are required. A used book store similar to those that are popping up throughout Europe would be a pleasure.

  3. The Town voted for a traffic study and Morris Street was one of the major areas of concern. Each additional development adds to the problem, With the study proposed to take 10 months to complete, how can this key element of the proposal be properly evaluated.

  4. That area is going to have a lot of new housing. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the Town to insist that the area include a lot of parking to alleviate the already awful traffic and parking issues? As an aside, I thought that Hampshire was more civic minded than to promote this sort of low level and unattractive development. It will look like that ugly storage center on Ridgedale except three or four stories higher! Not a desirable change, and certainly not an improvement consistent with the Town’s ambiance.

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