(Updated 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 ) The Cornelius Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 Monday night to approve a conditional use permit for construction of a new 3,265-square-foot animal shelter on the site of a current temporary shelter at the end of Meridian Street. The Town of Cornelius itself plans to build the $450,000 structure, which supporters say would fill a longstanding need in north Mecklenburg.
Davidson officials are weighing their options for animal control services, including possibly using a Cornelius shelter. Tonight (Tuesday, April 8th) they will hear a presentation about the plan from Cornelius Town Manager Anthony Roberts.
The Cornelius vote came after a nearly two-hour public hearing that saw comments both for and against the plan by shelter volunteers and other animal advocates as well as neighbors of the site. Some supporters of the proposed shelter from the Meridian Street/School Street neighborhood were eager for the project, saying it would help improve their neighborhood and property values.
Others, particularly those in the neighborhood behind the shelter, argued that while a shelter is needed, the town should find another location.
Commissioners approved the shelter plan with 15 conditions. With the possibility that Davidson and/or Huntersville might decide to join the effort in the future, the board agreed that the building could be expanded by up to 500 square feet to accommodate extra kennels.
The board also required that the building fit into the residential neighborhood surrounding it. No signs will be allowed on the exterior and plantings will be required to help screen the building. Walls must be insulated to reduce noise. And the Town Board must approved operating procedures before the shelter can open.
Cornelius already has set aside $200,000 to help build the shelter. Volunteers also have raised about $100,000 in donations. And the $450,000 cost does not include the likelihood that some labor and materials would be donated.
RELATED COVERAGE
April 7, 2008, Commentary by Rosemary Santillo, “Speak up for your pets”
March 25, 2008, “Board to discuss animal control, budget,” includes a description of options Davidson is considering for animal shelter and animal control services.
I’m glad to hear Cornelius is going ahead. Stray animals are be a growing problem in both Davidson and Cornelius — and Cornelius has taken the lead. Char-meck does a good job but the sheer numbers are so great they cannot give the same service that the new shelter will be able to provide. The people have spoken and Cornelius listened. Too bad Huntersville can’t hear!!!