Cherry Republic is preparing to expand its operational capacity in Empire as zoning laws are asked to be tweaked for storage expansion at a special meeting earlier this month.
“We rent 15,000 to 20,000-square feet of not really good storage space,” Cherry Republic owner Bob Sutherland said.
Attorney Marc McKella, representing TC Vision, LLC, aka, Cherry Republic, pitched changes to wording of the zoning in the Empire Light Industrial District located on the northside of Empire.
The light industrial district currently consists of two parcels and are both owned by Cherry Republic. The plan is to combine the two properties to solve issues encountered with setbacks, parking, and drainage easements.
The text amendment proposal will allow for a mix of uses permitted by right or special use permit and will eliminate the need to tear down the self-storage units that are adjacent north of Cherry Republic manufacturing center.
Cherry Republic has been renting space in Benzie County that costs upwards of $40,000, motivating the Empire-based business to consolidate space and money.
During the special meeting, McKellar said expansion will require more employees and operations, consisting mostly of more storage and refrigeration.
“It is some wording that would make the allowances the same,” Sutherland said.
Cherry Republic storage unit property to the north would be examined for potential additional storage space if the zoning doesn’t allow for Cherry Republic to expand on its property. Those storage units currently employ roughly 160 people.
T herewasdiscussiononcreating a new zoning district instead of changing the current text in the zoning law of the Light Industrial District at the special meeting. McKellar’s concern during the special meeting was the length of time it would take to amend the zoning map, create new language for an entirely new district and the requirement to hold more public hearings.
As for concerns regarding additional activity, sounds, and smells Sutherland said, “We’re trying to be as sensitive as we can to our neighbors. There may be some positives ... a lot of trucks going in and out, shuttling won’t happen anymore,” he continued. “This expansion would be opposite of the neighborhood and continue to be able to expand away from the neighborhood.”
Next steps for the project include various legal checks with lawyers, Empire Township and the Village of Empire before a vote can take place.
“15 years ago before we started this expansion and talked with others and the possibility of moving and it seemed that Empire wanted us to stay. We are proud to employ the people we do and to be rooted in Empire means a lot to me,” Sutherland said. “There’s some give and take on both sides.”
