U-Haul Guilford’s Expansion Plan Supported by Town Officials

GUILFORD, CT - One of the more controversial issues in town the past few years is what type of “good neighbor” an expanded U-Haul business at 301 Boston Post Road would be.

An expansion of the business has been an ongoing discussion at a number of zoning meetings and has been re reviewed by a number of officials.

Many in town believe it is not for Guilford - and have expressed that view at many public hearings on plans to expand the operation - the most recent at the April 18th Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

But town officials have said that U-Haul has worked hard to address concerns that have been brought up about the business and believe the expansion application should be approved.

Economic Development Coordinator Brian McGlone had this to say about the project.

“Design Review Committee has been involved for the last year, probably longer. Probably no pitcher project in town has gotten and incorporated as much input from the DRC then this project.”

McGlone went on to say that U-Haul has transformed the project based on DRC input, changing setbacks, windows, lighting, landscaping, and more.

McGlone said: “All and all, U-Haul has done everything to meet and exceed the expectations of the DRC.”

The ecnomic development director went further.

“We often talk about the highest and best use four the site. We explored another car dealership, mixed used retail/office, apartments, regional restaurants like an Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, and a boutique hotel/conference center.

“We could not identify anyone interested - various reasons, like property acquisition cost, development costs, and no sewers.”

McGlone concluded: “I am in support of this project. U-Haul has worked long and hard to develop a site plan that does fit the property. At this moment, I believe they are the best use for the site.”

The PZC is expected to rule on the expansion plans in the near future.

Photo by Jack Kramer