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Dog Kennel Zoning Meeting . DOG KENNEL APPLICATION BEFORE ZONING COMMITTEE 8/26 The RSCA Board has been asked by several of our residents to publish information regarding a proposed kennel at the former Center for Creative Play site. In the interest of providing critical information to Regent Square residents, we agreed to do so. What follows is a statement from John Godfrey, a Swissvale resident who is challenging the proposed zoning variances. "At the July 29 meeting of the Swissvale Zoning Board, the board deferred a decision on an application by Camp Bow-Wow to establish a 100-dog capacity kennel with outdoor exercise runs at the site of the former Center for Creative Play. In addition to granting an exception to the permitted uses for the site, the zoning board would need to approve 3 variances to the zoning code relating to fence height, proximity to residences, and noise. Some residents of Trevanion Ave. and Laclair St. are strongly opposed to this proposal, feeling that this would have a significant negative impact on the entire neighborhood. They are urging other residents of the Square to seek information, ask questions and voice their concerns at the next meeting of the zoning board to be held Tuesday August 26 at 7pm in the Swissvale Boro building at 7560 Roslyn St." It is important to note that while the RSCA is generally opposed to zoning variances, particularly when it negatively impacts Regent Square residents, we continue to solicit input from others in the community. Brenda Smith, Executive Director of the Nine Mile Run Water Association, wrote: "Just wanted to let you know that I will definitely be at the Zoning hearing on the 26th. The Nine Mile Run Watershed Association is extremely concerned about the impact of a kennel in such close proximity to the stream. We are regularly monitoring water quality in the stream and have found that the fecal coliform counts are too high in both wet and dry weather. While some of this may be due to leakage and illegal connections upstream, we believe that dog and other untreated animal feces entering the stream from the park contributes to the problem. We would certainly not want to see this increased. At the hearing I plan to ask for detailed plans from the proposed buyer for how they plan to deal with the waste created, and what assurances they can give that water quality and habitat in the park will not be affected." Interplay Childcare, a tenant in the building, was contacted as well. Inte rplay's concerns are maintaining their lease, finding a good owner/ neighbor and the process of waste cleanup in the outdoor area of the kennel. The RSCA has had limited experience with zoning variances but our perception is that they are often approved, unless opposed by community residents. This is especially true when there is a significant financial gain to the municpality, as there would be in this case. Currently, the Center for Creative Play building has tax-exempt status. If it is sold to a for-profit entity, Swissvale will benefit from the tax revenue. The building is said to be worth approximately $2 million. There are four residents of Swissvale on the RSCA Board and some members of the board will attend the zoning board meeting, but this is not enough to sway the zoning board one way or another. It is imperative that Swissvale residents and others in the area with an interest in what happens to the former Center for Creative Play site attend the zoning meeting and voice their opinion. You don’t need to register in advance to attend the Zoning Board meeting or to make comments, but if you have questions about the meeting, contact the Swissvale Borough office at 412-271-7101, or John Godfrey at 412-977-6379 or qtsolns@comcast.net. I encourage you to forward this information to others. If you have questions or comments as they relate to the RSCA, or if you would like to discuss this issue further, you may contact me. Carrie Webber RSCA President president@regentsquare-RSCA.org
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