Veterinarian Eyes Sowams Road Site

Harbor Animal Hospital wants to move from Maple Avenue to a building to be constructed on Sowams Road.

The hospital, operated by veterinarian Wade Cordy, got its development plan approved by the Barrington Planning Board Tuesday night, Nov. 1. The vote was 6-0.

Now it needs a special-use permit and parking relief from the Zoning Board of Review.

Cordy wants to build a new structure on the lot at 305 Sowams Road that houses Ocean State Cleansers. The hospital will sit just north of the Montessori school.

A special-use permit is needed for that location. The size of the building requires 15 parking spaces; it is asking for 14. The Zoning Board meets next on Nov. 17.

“We have met all of the ordinance requirements except for off-street parking,” said architect John Carter, the project manager.

The design of the hospital was selected to mesh with the mostly residential neighborhood, according to the architect. The materials to be used to construct the facility also will respect the styles in that area, which is zoned neighborhood business.

Hours of the hospital will be 8 am to 8 pm, said attorney Stephanie Federico of Anthony DeSisto Law Associates, which represents the veterinarian.

“There will be no day care of dogs,” she said.

With colder weather appoaching, construction of the animal hospital is not expected to start until next spring, said attorney Anthony DeSisto.