At its Oct. 20 meeting, the Blaine City Council approved both a rezoning request and a conditional use permit for a proposed self-storage development at Central Avenue in the Community Commercial/Highway 65 Overlay district.
The property owner, Farmers Insurance agent Scott Uram, requested the approvals for a three-story self-storage and retail facility. The rezoning from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to B-2 (Community Commercial) passed 6–1, with Council Member Tom Newland voting no. The conditional use permit passed 5–2, with Newland and Council Member Jess Robertson opposed.
Interim Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said the plan calls for a 25,800-square-foot building with 4,675 square feet of office and retail space at the front. The structure will have a 100-foot setback from nearby residential property and a zero lot line to the north.
Sellman said 50% of the building’s exterior will use three or more of the city’s approved façade materials, which include brick, stone, glass, masonry stucco, EIFS, cementitious siding, architectural metal or integrally colored rock-face brick.
Parking requirements have been met, and the plan includes nine replacement trees to satisfy landscaping standards in the district.
A neighborhood meeting held Aug. 25 drew 12 residents who raised concerns about security and lighting. The Planning Commission later recommended approval with six conditions, including revised elevations to meet design requirements.
Council Member Tom Newland said he appreciated that the proposal met zoning requirements and that Uram had emailed him ahead of the meeting.
“I had a condition that I was gonna put on there, but I think it’s moot,” Newland said. “I’m not gonna be Don Quixote charging after windmills here—it’s not about what I choose to bring up here right now.”
Newland added that he had not heard from any residents in his ward and did not plan to raise new concerns.
“If there isn’t an issue, I’m not gonna create one,” he said. “People likely won’t care until they see trees being removed and ground being changed at the site.”
Council Member Jess Robertson said she also opposed the earlier comprehensive plan amendment and expressed continued concern about placing more storage facilities along Highway 65.
“I do understand that this has been a challenging piece of property,” Robertson said. “I know we’ve had to do some replatting and rezoning and otherwise, but as far as the comp plan, where this rezoning is considered—I mean legally, I don’t have an option to vote no on it.”
Robertson noted that resident engagement was strong during the 2024 planning phase but quieter now.
“This part of the process is typically really quiet, unless there’s one hyper-vigilant resident who alerts all the neighbors,” she said. “I do agree there’s probably gonna be some resident pushback once it gets started.”
In other business
The Blaine City Council unanimously approved a wine malt liquor license for Chelas X, which will replace Pho 126 at 126th Avenue NE.
City Clerk Cathy Sorensen said a public hearing was required under city code. Chelas X submitted all necessary fees and paperwork, and a background investigation by the Blaine Police Department found no concerns.
The licenses will remain active through June 30, 2026, and will be eligible for renewal at that time. The city did not receive any public feedback.
Council Member Chris Massoglia asked if the city knew what type of business Chelas X was. Sorensen said it is a Vietnamese restaurant that will serve wine and strong beer, as the malt liquor license in conjunction with a wine license allows both.
