The board’s decision to approve the live-in manager unit at the storage facility revolved around several factors. The applicant argued that having a manager on-site would enhance security and prevent unauthorized activities like illegal dumping. The manager’s presence, they suggested, would be an operational benefit and an employee retention strategy. The proposal included converting 12 storage units into a two-bedroom apartment, ensuring it met building code requirements, including full sprinkler systems and adequate fire safety measures.

During the meeting, fire safety emerged as a concern. The facility must comply with fire department regulations to ensure the safety of the live-in manager and the building’s overall operation. The board received fire department comments, which emphasized the need for compliance with fire safety standards, and the applicant assured that all necessary precautions would be implemented.

Additionally, the board weighed the historical context of residential quarters in self-storage facilities, noting that while it was more common in the past, the proposed setup aims to enhance the facility’s operation in its current setting. The applicant highlighted that similar facilities in the New York and New Jersey area had successfully integrated live-in management, contributing positively to security.