By Cincade Drudge
A passionate debate over a proposed zoning amendment for 4.42 acres at 6501 Stellhorn Road has raised concerns among local residents and created a difficult decision for city officials.
The property at the heart of this issue is currently zoned for residential use (R1, R2, R3), and is being considered for rezoning to general commercial use (C3), to allow for the construction of a self-storage facility by Schmucker Building Services LLC. While proponents argue the development aligns with Fort Wayne’s drive for commercial expansion, some residents fear the loss of a residential buffer and potential property devaluation.
The rezoning proposal, designated as Z-25-02-08, was introduced unanimously by the Fort Wayne City Council on Feb. 25. Following this, the Fort Wayne Plan Commission held a public hearing on Mar. 10, where stakeholders, including developers and residents, could voice their perspectives on the project’s potential impact.
During the hearing, Susan Trent, a legal representative for Schmucker Building Services, emphasized the existing commercial nature of the surrounding area, stating, “The property is in a mixed-use zone and is near multiple businesses, including a hospital, fast-food chains, and shopping centers.”
Trent also pointed out that her team had reached out to the residents of the neighborhood next to the planned development and received no response.
“My staff has not received any inquiries back from residents, although we may hear some tonight,” Trent said. “You know, obviously, without any contact, no concerns were raised about our plans.”
Members of the commission highlighted that the area’s small parcel size limits alternative commercial or residential uses, making it less desirable for residential expansion. However, concerns over the impact on nearby homeowners remained a key issue in discussion.
Local resident Catherine Lawlinger, who lives close to the proposed development, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the rezoning.
“The privacy fences separating our homes from commercial spaces aren’t ours,” she states. “The developer should be responsible for installing a proper fence to protect our neighborhood.”
Lawlinger also noted concerns she had for her special-needs granddaughter’s safety, referencing the lack of a clear buffer between the neighborhood and the proposed storage facility.
Another resident, Kip Site, argued that the property has served as a natural buffer between existing businesses and residential homes.
“When we moved in nearly 30 years ago, that land was a protective space between the businesses and our homes,” Site said. “Rezoning it would put a commercial structure right in our backyard.”
A primary concern among residents was the proposed development’s impact on property values and neighborhood aesthetics.
The facility referred to as the “Stellhorn Toy Shed” would feature storage units sold as condos rather than traditional rental spaces.
Residents questioned who would be responsible for maintaining the property and preventing neglect over time.
Trent assured the residents and the commission that the development would comply with city ordinances.
“The storage units will be condoized, meaning owners, rather than renters, will maintain them. An HOA will be established to oversee upkeep,” she explained.
Despite these assurances, residents remained skeptical about long-term property maintenance. Concerns about the adequacy of the existing fence were also raised.
Trent argued that the four-foot-high berm covered with vegetation would serve as an effective screen; residents countered that parts of it are in poor condition and that new fencing should be put in to reinforce the screening effect.
Following the public hearing, the Plan Commission provisionally approved the rezoning petition and returned it to the City Council with a do-pass recommendation.
In a later business meeting, commission members noted that the project’s existing natural barriers would be maintained, with the condition that if excessive vegetation is removed during construction, the developer must plant additional trees.
The Fort Wayne City Council is expected to hold a vote on the rezoning proposal in the coming weeks. If approved, construction on the Stellhorn Toy Shed could begin later this year.
The approval of this rezoning would be particularly notable given Fort Wayne’s current push for more affordable housing. As the city faces an ongoing housing shortage, some residents question whether commercial development should take priority over new residential projects.
The decision to rezone residential land for commercial use may indicate the city’s priorities in balancing economic growth with housing availability. This highlights a broader tension in Fort Wayne’s urban planning; as the city continues to grow, zoning decisions like this one will shape its future landscape, sparking discussion about where Fort Wayne’s development priorities should ultimately lie.
