Wooded tract in Wayne eyed for development
By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WAYNE - A developer form Bergen County has proposed to build a self-storage center next to the only working farm in the township.
.....
The wooded property at the T-intersection of Black Oak Ridge Road and Pompton Plains Crossroad, lies directly adjacent to the 43.6-acre Kuehm family farm and its fresh produce stand, which has endured there for 130 years.
..... The proposed facility of 77,440 square feet would stand three stories tall, according to drawings on file with the Planning department. It would include 614 storage units.
..... Twelve parking spots would be provided for customers and employees.
..... The project must be voted on by the Zoning Board of Adjustment because it requires a sue variance. Storage facilities are not permitted in a business zone. No public hearing was scheduled, as of Tuesday. [04/22/2025]
..... Variances would also be needed for building height and for the number of parking spots.
..... The zoning board will likely handle the plan in tow parts, First, board members will determine whether they approve of the proposed use in that location. And if so, a separate application would be considered for architecture, landscaping, traffic flow and other project details.
..... Tax records show that the owner, a limited liability company from Lodi, acquired the 2.4-acre site for $277,000 in April 2002.
..... A portion of the vacant land is in the 100-year floodplain, as it sits just a half-mile east of the confluence of the Pompton and Ramapo rivers.
..... Consumer analysts reported last year [2024] that the global self-storage market is worth at least $59 billion. It's value is expected to increase to an estimated 472 billion by the end of the decade.