Gurnee entertaining dog day-care plan
After hearing Gurnee village board concerns about two weeks ago, the owners of a proposed dog day-care center will try again for final approval Monday night.
Up to 60 dogs would be accommodated at Central Bark at 1519 St. Paul Ave., just north of Route 41, if the village board grants the request. Gurnee approved a similar operation called Who's Your Puppy? late last year.
Central Bark franchise co-owners Cynthia and Joseph Faulkner are seeking a special permit necessary to operate the business in an industrial area near a planned townhouse project.
Village Trustee David Ohanian, speaking at a recent meeting, said he questioned whether officials should allow 60 dogs at Central Bark, considering a maximum of 30 canines was established for Who's Your Puppy?
Ohanian also questioned the close proximity of Central Bark to the planned townhouses and some aspects of its proposal to have dogs in overnight accommodations.
"I'm kind of concerned there won't be staff on overnight if there is an issue," Ohanian said.
Central Bark would lease about 6,000 square feet on St. Paul Avenue. Cynthia Faulkner said the canines would be separated by temperament for play, and receive two-hour naps in crates when at Central Bark for day care.
Attorney Thomas Hood, representing Central Bark, stressed experienced employees would handle the dogs, and that the business would be a good addition to Gurnee.
"This location is ideal for them in a lot of ways," Hood said.
Who's Your Puppy received village board approval in November. Billed as an upscale day-care center for dogs and kennel, Who's Your Puppy will open on Ambrogio Drive, northwest of Washington Street and Route 41.
Gurnee trustees were slated to hold a final vote on Central Bark on Feb. 4. However, the elected officials agreed to push the proposal to Monday night's meeting so various concerns about Central Bark could be addressed.
Hood said Central Bark has been successfully operating in Grayslake on Commerce Drive, near routes 120 and 83.