Town panel to consider animal shelter proposal
Toolbox
By Susan Smallheer STAFF WRITER - Published: June 16, 2009
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Development Review Board will consider a proposal to build a temporary shelter for abused animals on property owned by Tim Blake on Route 106.
Bill Kearns, Springfield's zoning administrator, said Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society Inc. of Bridgewater wants to buy a barn and property owned by Blake and build the shelter.
Kearns said the proposal came before the board in May, but at that time the humane society wasn't sure which building on the property it would use. The plan now calls for using the vacant red barn and putting on some additions, he said.
The barn at one time housed an antiques shop or an equestrian shop.
Kearns said Vermont Volunteer Services has stated the site would be used as a temporary shelter for animals that have been rescued, and its mission did not conflict or compete with the Springfield Humane Society or TARPS, a local animal-rescue organization based in Chester.
Vermont Volunteer Services, which was founded in 1986, is headed by Sue Skaskiw of Bridgewater, a well-known animal advocate.
Kearns said the group reported it would not be euthanizing animals and planned on doing public education on the importance of spaying or neutering pets.
The zoning administrator said the property was zoned for professional offices, which is what the shelter would be. He said the zoning was the same for a dog day care business on River Street, as well as a local animal hospital.
At the meeting in May, there was some concern about the proposed temporary shelter, Kearns said, with Dr. Anthony Castrignano, a local veterinarian, raising concerns about what exactly the group would do.
Kearns said a neighbor of the Blake property, Art Taft, was concerned about the noise from such a shelter, as well as the disposal of animal waste.
The Development Review Board only has to issue a site plan review for the proposal, addressing such issues as landscaping and traffic.
Blake could not be reached for comment Thursday.
The board will consider the proposal on July 11, Kearns said.
susan.smallheer@rutlandherald.com
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