Planned Animal Hospital In Fairfield Meets Opposition

FAIRFIELD, CT — Neighbors of a proposed animal hospital and hotel in Southport are marshaling opposition to the project before it is scheduled to go before the Town Plan and Zoning Commission on Tuesday.

The Spot On Veterinary Hospital and Hotel is proposed for the former Hyundai dealership at 2269 Post Road, which would house an animal hospital, pet hotel, pet grooming facility and pet day care venue, reported the Connecticut Post.

Currently, such a use of the property is not permitted, so the applicants are seeking a zoning amendment to allow it.

Residents who live near the site, who refer to themselves as the Alliance to Preserve Peaceful Fairfield Neighborhoods, object to various aspects of the proposal, including planned dog runs on the property, which the neighbors believe will be loud and disruptive.

Additionally, neighbors are reportedly concerned over the potential smell of the animal facility.

In a letter to the commission, attorney J. Wells Dixon, who lives near the site, strongly opposes the proposal.

"As a Town resident whose home is located close to 2269 Post Road, I oppose this amendment because it would have a direct, negative impact on me, my wife and our three young children, and our street and neighborhood," Dixon wrote. "Dog day care and overnight boarding would be particularly problematic for the reasons addressed in the numerous letters submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission by our friends and neighbors. I share these substantial concerns, which include, for example, but are certainly not limited to, the fact that dog day care and overnight boarding would:

(1) cause unreasonable and excessive noise pollution, air and odor pollution, and other environmental pollution (caused by large quantities of dog urine and other excrement) abutting a quiet, residential neighborhood full of many young families and retirees, that could not be eliminated or mitigated adequately;

(2) add to the already hazardous traffic congestion on the Post Road, which, in turn, would likely cause even more cars and delivery trucks to cut through our neighborhood than do now, often at high rates of speed, further endangering the many young children in the area;

(3) if dogs are exercised outside the Spot On facility, increase significantly the number of non-resident dogs walked up our street and around our neighborhood, possibly endangering or frightening our children who play outside, and undoubtedly soiling our lawns;

and (4) threaten to disrupt the balance and harmony of the neighborhood, change its fundamental
character, and reduce the property values of the homes in our neighborhood, including mine."

Tuesday's hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Regional Fire School, 205 Richard White Way.

Read the Connecticut Post story.