SOUTHWICK – The Additional Attic Public Storage facility on Hudson Drive is expanding to meet local demand.
Owner Andrew Reardon met with the Southwick Planning Board last week to discuss his expansion and ask what steps he would need to take as far as the board was concerned.
Because the expansion falls within the footprint of the original drawings approved when he opened the business, Board Chairman Douglas Moglin said a simple site plan review was all that was necessary.
“On the original site plans you had drawn all the (proposed) buildings, so it’s already on the plan,” Moglin said.
Reardon said the addition would be a different size and shape than what was included in the plan, but it would be within the approved square footage.
“I was approved for 44,000 square-feet and I’m at 13,000 now,” said Reardon.
Board Vice Chairperson Roz Terry said because the plans were dated 2004, a modification would be needed but Reardon did not need to apply for any special permits.
Additional Attic Public Storage currently has 80 units and the new building would include an additional 100 storage units.
Reardon said business is booming.
“I’m full right now,” he said. “It actually astonishes me.”
Reardon said when he opened the facility 10 years ago he didn’t realize how much it was needed.
“I really am surprised at the need for storage,” he said.
Most customers at Additional Attic Public Storage are local residents. Reardon said the need for storage varies.
“Some people are moving and need to store items, some people get divorced and need storage space – there isn’t really a ‘norm’ as to why people need storage space,” said Reardon.
Once the site plan is reviewed and approved, construction will begin.
“The unit-building process is very quick,” Reardon said. “I think I will see it up by fall.”
