Luxury pet resort proposed in Buffalo Grove
Barclay Boulevard in Buffalo Grove might better be called “Bark”lay Boulevard if a proposal for a luxury pet resort is approved.
Renee Sclafani, who would be operating the resort at 1322 Barclay Blvd. along with partners Jennifer Levine, Linda Webster, called it a “unique twist on a familiar concept.”
According to the proposal presented at this week’s village board meeting, the mission is to “provide a luxurious environment for pets to socialize, to be cared for and to thrive.”
The business would provide day-care services, grooming, veterinary services and drop-in service for canines, an indoor playground area and splash pool. There would be live Web feeds for people to watch their pets remotely. It would be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and offer overnight care.
The facility would serve a maximum of 120 dogs, with 80-90 anticipated on a daily basis. It would also accept cats and small caged animals such as hamsters.
The centerpiece, Sclafani said, would be a 3,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art indoor park, where people can cavort with their animals. It will also provide, she said, social opportunities for the pet owners themselves. It will be owner-operated, she said, calling it a labor of love.
In order for the resort to embark upon its operation, the village would need to amend its zoning ordinance to allow a special use for pet boarding in the industrial district. The village would also need to amend its rules prohibiting animals from entering any open public building except those where animals are being sold.
Before referring the matter to the plan commission for review, trustees had a few questions.
Trustee Lester Ottenheimer was concerned about how the noise would affect neighbors.
“I know you have got tenants in the same building as you,” he said. “When I walk into various other facilities, the first thing I hear is a lot of barking.”
The general contractor, Joseph Sclafani, told Ottenheimer, “When you walk in, you will hear barking. But the neighbors will not” due to soundproofing in the walls.
Trustee Jeffrey Berman also registered a concern about noise and added, “I think I heard you say, odor-free? With all due respect, these are animals. These are pets. “
Renee Sclafani said, “I was a skeptic myself. But if you even just wander over to the veterinary specialty clinic, (it’s) unbelievable. It’s odor-free. It can be done. It’s not typically done.”
Berman commended Renee Sclafani for her creativity and drive and joined the other trustees in giving it a unanimous referral to the plan commission. Ottenheimer added gratuitous bark.