Minutes
April 5, 2012
In attendance: MC, JD, JS, PD, AP, DJ, BS and NF
7:00 PM
MC opened the meeting
New – 50 Lakeshore Drive – Michelle Laverdure
Special Permit request for an Animal Kennel for 5 dogs
Sitting In: MC, JD, PD, AP and JS
The applicant and owner, Michelle Laverdure, was in attendance. She explained that she had one 13 year old dog and she rescued one 10 month old dog which she didn’t know was pregnant. She did place some of the pups but they were returned to her leaving her with the 3 puppies, also. She explained she is seeking the special permit for this reason. She stated she is a responsible dog owner. The yard is fenced in. The 13 year old is a St. Bernard and is a barker but has its own room in the home and her friends come to let all of them in and out during the day. The board had concerns in regards to the barking and the waste of 5 dogs within a small yard and how it would affect the surrounding neighbors, especially in the summer months when people had their
windows open. There were abutters in attendance. Many stated they were against issuing the special permit as there has been past issues with the barking. They all agreed she was a nice neighbor and a good dog owner but they didn’t feel there was any way to keep 5 dogs quiet as barking is what they do. There were abutters in attendance stating they were the ones that helped her take care of her dogs by letting them out and walking them. They felt she had a right to keep the dogs, she is a responsible dog owner and she should not have to surrender them. The Bellingham Animal Control Officer, Cindy Souza was in attendance. She stated she has had complaints, approximately 6 in the past 6 months. Cindy stated that she is a dedicated owner but the proximity to the neighbors is a problem and there is not enough room for 5 dogs. She felt that the complaints outweighed the pro’s of issuing this permit. The board took
all statements into consideration.
AP motion to close the hearing.
PD second.
All in favor to close the hearing.
JS motion to grant the special permit for an Animal Kennel for 5 dogs.
JD second
JS opened the hearing for discussion. He stated he felt that he could not support issuing this because the adverse effects over-balance the beneficial effects on the neighborhood. AP felt the lot had a small area of only 12, 500 feet .JD spoke in favor of the applicant as he felt it was a noble cause and it could possibly be 4 not 5 dogs as the older one was not well. PD stated he could see how much the applicant loved her pets but the ZBA is responsible for the welfare of the public.
Board Vote:
In Favor: JD
Opposed: MC, PD, AP, JS
The Special Permit is not granted. There is a 20 day appeal period.
Informal discussion with Joseph and Sherri Kauker on the rezoning of property behind their business on 20 William Way.
Minutes
March 2, 2012
AP motion to accept the minutes.
JS second.
All in favor to accept the minutes.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM
Approved 6/7/12
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