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Violates the Ethos and Spirit

I am against Guilford’s P&Z Committee’s granting a special permit for a 50,000-square-foot building on the former site of Mannix Chevrolet. The building will be open 24/7 to keyholders and will be lit 24/7; 400 storage units are proposed.

Currently this neighborhood is residential and contains homes and small family businesses. I have lived here for 29 years and believe that the U-Haul proposal will create significant light pollution. The U-Haul business model is predicated on using its vehicles and buildings to advertise. Thus I do not believe it will alter its plans to keep the storage building always lit nor will it modify its plans to keep vehicles bearing its logo parked 50 feet from Route 1, in clear violation of town laws.

Guilford has guidelines for the type of development allowed in this area. U-Haul has worked with the town for two years to modify its plan to fit the zoning requirements. This 50,000 square foot building, the size of Concept Park in Guilford, will create constant light pollution. U-Haul violates the ethos and spirit of the town with its refusal to significantly alter its corporate building and advertising model.

Remember that we will be stuck with this monstrosity after U-Haul leaves. I feel we are inviting a boa constrictor into a quiet backwater. Once one comes, others will follow.

The Planning & Zoning Commission should be courageous and vote “No” to the special permit for U-Haul.

Susan Nichols

Guilford