Project in works to expand Glenville animal shelter

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Goot

A proposal to expand a local animal shelter is being fast-tracked through the approval process with the hope of starting construction this summer.

The Animal Protective Foundation wants to construct a 2,200-square-foot addition to its facility at 53 Maple Ave. to expand its spay and neuter programs.

Either a variance or a zoning change is required because the shelter is currently in a research, development and technology zone that does not permit animal clinics. That portion of Glenville was rezoned in 2001, but the shelter is grandfathered in as an allowed use.

The Glenville Environmental Conversation Commission last week issued a favorable recommendation on both a variance and zoning change sought for the project.

This expansion would allow the shelter to have a dedicated clinician on site that would spay and neuter cats and dogs both for APF and other shelters.

The shelter spays about 3,000 cats and about 500 dogs every year and wants to increase that to 8,000 cats and dogs.

Spokeswoman Marguerite Pearson said shelter officials are excited about the project. They raised $140,000 at its May 17 “Tails by Twilight” event at the Glen Sanders Mansion. This brings the total raised to $475,000 toward the $700,000 project.

The construction should take about six months, according to shelter officials.

Town planner Mike Burns said APF is seeking both a variance and zoning change to help accommodate its construction schedule.

A zoning change would take about four months as the matter is reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission, then sent to the Town Board for approval before heading back to planning officials for final review.

“It puts them into September/October when the weather starts getting a little iffy. It kind of messes up their schedule,” he said.

However, a variance would only take two months, according to Burns. The Zoning Board of Appeals could review it as soon as next month.

“Neither one of their proposals were deemed to have any significant impact on the environment, so they’re moving forward,” he said.

The benefit of the zoning change is the shelter would be able to do future expansions without worrying about the zoning.

“It will be a lot cleaner and smoother for them,” he said.