Residents offer varied views on potential reopening of dog kennel

Several Town of Newstead residents appeared before the Newstead Town Board during a public hearing to hear comments on a request for Site plan approval and Special Use Permit to re-open a dog kennel at 12390 Hunts Corners Road located in the RA Zoning district in the Town of Newstead.

Those in favor of the re-opening shared the need for a local kennel which provides good care at a reasonable cost, appreciation that two young adults are working to establish a business in this community; a history of “no complaints’ while the previous owner had the kennel open and a promise from that owner to train and coach the new owners.  Also noted that the family of one of the owners lives on the street and is available to address emergency concerns.

The new owners noted they will be installing cameras and receiving real-time alerts when not at the site.  “We want to make it as good for the neighbors as we can.”

Those raising concerns over the potential reopening shared concerns over noise, odor, response of neighboring dogs, and reduced property values.  Some voiced concern the owners will not live at the property and that the dogs bark all day negatively impacting their daily lives.

Town of Newstead Supervisor, Dawn Izydorczak, told those attending the public hearing the Board members will be considering all of their comments and concerns during a future work session prior to taking any action on the request.

Action items

Board members voted to approve a low quote from Grove Roofing Services, Inc in the amount of $6,688.00 to repair the roof of the Newstead Public Library.

A repair/partial replacement of a pipe in the library was determined necessary and the low bid of $5,461.46 to complete the work by Cellino Plumbing, Hearing, and Cooling was approved.

Board members, in conjunction with the Highway Superintendent determined it is necessary to purchase a new Class 8 dump truck to be used as a plow truck and authorized the advertisement for bids for that purchase.

Grant received

The Board learned a grant application for new security cameras at the Town Hall/Court from the Justice Court Assistance Program was granted.