BELLEVUE, Neb. (KMTV) — Tami Winther has lived at her Bellevue home for the past six years.
"I didn't buy this house, to have a concrete jungle next door," Winther said.
Winther says that's exactly what she's afraid of after receiving a letter from the city notifying her of the proposed rezoning and expansion of Milt's Mini Storage.
"It's a huge area of land that he's proposing taking over, and it's essentially a great big parking lot," Winther said.
The city notified homeowners who live within 300 feet of the proposed expanded area.
"This affects everyone here," Winther said.
City planning director Greg Shewchuk says the property is currently made up of four lots. Shewchuk says they will be combined into a single lot.
Milt's wants to add covered RV parking and additional storage units, if approved the business would end up being 8.64 acres.
"Something like this, it could potentially bring some elements to the neighborhood that are unwanted," Winther said.
But, Milt's spokesmen Craig Faulk says their proposed location, near McCorkindale Ave., is the best place to expand because the land can't be used for much else.
Faulk tells us about five acres of the land is filled with concrete, rubble and brick.
In a statement sent to KMTV, Milt's said:
"Milt’s Mini Storage has proudly served local residents in the City of Bellevue for over 40 years. During this time, Milt’s has been a trusted provider for local businesses, residents and non-profits. Our mission is to provide convenient, clean and affordable storage to the local community.
Our proposed development to our existing location is a continuation of our mission. While we understand it’s impossible to please everyone, it is our intention to go the extra mile with our proposed development to be a “Good Neighbor.”
The planning commission recently voted 4-1 against the proposal, now it goes to city council where residents say they hope their voices will be heard.
"I think it's really just a matter now of just showing up in force there's power in numbers," Winther said.
The city is holding is public hearing on the matter tonight at 6. Shewchuk says he expects the council to vote on January 14.
