Animal hospital to fill vacant Palatine storefront

A new business has found a home in a long-vacant Palatine storefront.

The village council on Monday unanimously approved a proposal allowing an animal hospital in Cove Plaza, located at 1100-1128 W. Northwest Hwy. The site most recently was a hair salon. Before that, it was an office for former Rep. Phil Crane, who lost his congressional seat in 2004 to Rep. Melissa Bean, a Barrington Democrat.

Councilman Aaron Del Mar, who lives near the shopping center, said he empathized with several residents' concerns about odors, noise and traffic but saw the move as a shot in the arm for the village.

"This is a great opportunity to fill an empty storefront and bring a new business to Palatine," Del Mar said.

The animal hospital, led by veterinarian Janine Williams of Inverness, would board animals only when medically necessary. No grooming will take place at the 2,400-square-foot facility, and Williams plans on initially employing an office manager and two veterinary technicians.

Resident Arlene Bright, whose backyard backs up to Cove Plaza, fears that between the animal waste, barking and vehicles, her property value will decrease.

But the project's contractor said the masonry walls and added insulation would prevent any noise from escaping the building.

The council also held a lengthy discussion about disposal of animals' waste. Councilman Jack Wagner added a condition to the approval that disposal procedures adhere to Illinois Department of Public Health standards. The facility also will have to dispose of waste in a container separate from the shopping center's regular trash receptacle.

A petition was presented in favor of Williams' business with 39 signatures, including those of pet owners who said they'd follow her to Palatine from her current practice in Mount Prospect.