Opposition Grows Against Proposed Dog Hospital/Hotel In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Residents who live near the proposed animal hospital and hotel in Southport voiced their opposition to the plan Tuesday night, during a public hearing before the Fairfield Town Plan and Zoning Commission.

It was the second public hearing on the proposal in as many weeks, and after nearly two-dozen speakers Tuesday, a third hearing is scheduled for Feb. 14.

The proposal calls for the facility, called Spot On Veterinary Hospital & Hotel, to have more than 75 suites to board dogs overnight.

It will occupy a former Hyundai car dealership at 2269 Post Road, much of which is surrounded by residential properties. And those residents made it clear that they do not want to hear the noise from barking dogs.

"Are you certain there will be no noise pollution?" resident Jennifer Epstein asked. "Of course, you can not guarantee that there will not be noise pollution."

Besides seeking a special permit for the proposal, the owners are also requesting a zoning amendment to allow overnight boarding by veterinaries, which is currently prohibited in Fairfield.

"We’re not here because don’t like dogs, we’re here because we’re talking about changing zoning laws," said Susan Seath.

Building on the theme about changing zoning regs to allow Spot On's business model, several speakers talked about how changing the zoning laws could potentially impact other neighborhoods.

If the zoning amendment is approved, applications for animal hotels could pop up in other parts of town.

Another concern about the proposal is the number of dogs that will be outside at any given time, which the owners peg at about 35. Attorney John Knuff, who represents Spot On, said changes have been made to the proposal to reduce outside play areas, but residents were not assuaged by the promise.

"Dogs bark, that’s what they do," said Ken Astarita, a member of the Representative Town Meeting from District 10. "Normally, I'm in favor of sensible business development, but this is just the wrong place for this business."

In addition to the speakers on Tuesday, dozens of letters against the proposal have been sent to the commission by residents, and a petition against the proposal, with more than 1,100 signatures, was also turned in to the commission.

"This specific type of business causes undue stress," said Jesse Kerwin, speaking about the noise levels and sound pitch of barking dogs. "It will be difficult to monitor this type of sound."