pages: PlanningBoard/2005-02-28.pdf, 11
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PlanningBoard | 2005-02-28 | 11 | Mr. Steve Busse, operations manager for Park Center Animal Hospital, noted that Dr. Applegate is his wife. He summarized the history of this application, and displayed a presentation of the design on the overhead screen. He noted that he spoke with Tom Matthews, who lives across the street from the property; as a result of the discussion, he presented City Council with a modified signage plan that featured a backlit sign and a change in the elevation on Central Avenue. He also attempted to contact the individuals who spoke at the Council meeting to get their feedback, clarify any misunderstandings, and better understand their concerns. He noted that only one person (Joe Meylor) agreed to meet with him; his primary concern was with the noticing, and he was also concerned about the building's design. He believed that the neighborhood alert that had been distributed to the neighbors was a major reason why no one wished to meet with him, and added that it was inflammatory and inaccurate. He stated that the allegations of criminal activity in the neighborhood was completely without foundation. The clinic was not open 24/7, and the staff report clearly stated the hours of operation. Mr. Busse noted that the square footage of the building requires 22 parking spaces, and 23 spaces have been included. A large curb cut would be removed, which would replace 2 to 3 on-street parking spaces. He noted that most of the animals they treated would be in the hospital for a few hours, and they did not operate a boarding facility; customers would be able to allow their pets to stay at the facility only if they were existing veterinary customers, and usually because they had medical concerns about their pet. They will continue to observe their written dog-walking policy, which includes maintain dogs on-leash, walking only on public sidewalks, and maintaining the dog on public property. They will pick up their droppings, as well as other droppings that they see while walking; he noted that their efforts resulted in fewer droppings, not more waste. He strongly disagreed with the allegation that they posed a public nuisance, and stated that in 13 years, the practice has been under their management; they received no complaints about noise, smell, or other aspects of their business practices. The Better Business Bureau report states that no complaints about their business practices had been filed; no police reports had been filed complaining about their business operation; the Building Department shows no legitimate complaints about their business operation. Dr. Cathy Wydner, DVM, co-owner, described the proposed project and noted that the original building was not designed as a veterinary hospital. She noted that the dramatic changes in veterinary medicine necessitate changes in hospital design; 95% of their 3,000 clients live in Alameda, and all their staff lives in the City as well. She stated that the density was fairly low for the block, and that the condo across the street had a far higher density; parking was more than what was required. She noted that the outdoor fenced area will contain most of the dog walking, resulting in a lower neighborhood impact from walking the dogs. Mr. Brandon Stanford, noted that he owned a hair salon at 1422 Everett, and leased space at 1414 Everett. He spoke in support of this application, and had never been disturbed by the applicants or the use in 15 years. Many of his customers had looked at the plans and supported them as well. Mr. Lawrence Henderson, spoke in support of this project, and believed it would be beneficial for the Planning Board Minutes Page 11 February 28, 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-02-28.pdf |