Steamboat Pilot & Today

Phippsburg — Phippsburg residents will have a say tonight on what they think about a proposed mini-storage facility in their small town. This comes two years after a similar effort failed because of a public outcry.
The Routt County Planning Commission meets tonight to consider a special-use permit for a mini-storage facility at Highway 131 and Forest Street. It's the site of the old Texaco gas station.
"I'm taking down the Texaco station. There was a lot of trash; it was infested with mice, rats and snakes," said Pauline Breyare, who owns the land and wants to build the storage facility.
County planner Chad Phillips said Breyare addresses many of the problems Phippsburg residents complained about two years ago.
For example, the previous applicants from Steamboat Springs had wanted to build storage units in a commercial area of town. Residents said there was too little commercial space in Phippsburg and didn't want it converted to industrial use.
"This applicant is putting an office at the end of the storage units," Phillips said. He also noted Breyare is requesting smaller buildings.
Phillips said the new petition has the storage facilities located perpendicular to Highway 131.
"Last time they (previous applicants) had the buildings running parallel to 131, and drivers had to look at a long monotonous wall," Phillips said.
The Phippsburg Community Club recently held a public meeting, where members gave their tentative approval of the new storage facility.
"Unfortunately, just a handful of people showed up," club member Louise Iacovetto said. "The community club said there would be no objections if (Breyare) abided by county rules."
However, the community club members felt adjoining property owners should have the final say.
Breyare can expect opposition from Steve Longwell, who has a home next to the proposed site.
"A storage unit doesn't need to be next to a residential area with all the use it will be getting," Longwell said.
The community club also wanted the county to ensure the alley next to the property remained open for property owners and emergency vehicles.
The Routt County Planning Commission meets today at 7 p.m. in the hearing room of the Routt County Courthouse Annex in Steamboat Springs.

To reach Frances Hohl call 871-4208 or e-mail fhohl@amigo.net