Differing visions for Elgin pet clinic

Two Elgin-area eye doctors aren't exactly seeing eye to eye.

Denise Lindley is president of Animal Eye Consultants, which specializes in diagnosis and eye surgeries for dogs.

She hopes to move from her 1,800-square-foot clinic at 116 Tyler Creek Plaza to a 5,000-square-foot office at 1640 Capital St. near Randall and Big Timber roads.

"It's a strip mall, and I need a bigger, more sophisticated space," said Lindley, a veterinarian since 1985.

Late last year, the plan was approved unanimously by the city's plan commission, but it was tabled two weeks ago at a routine workshop before the city council.

Lindley believes her plan is being shelved because of an opthalmologist who has a practice near the building she wants to buy.

"He's worried about dog urine, dog feces, dogs attacking people, dogs running loose," she said, adding she's never had a complaint during her 15 years at Tyler Creek.

Lindley said claims were "unwarranted" and that most of her clients carry their ailing pets into the practice.

Dr. Michael Seigle, who opened his third Elgin location at 1670 Capital about 13 months ago, does indeed oppose Lindley's new location.

But Seigle said he and the other office-condo owners object because an animal clinic is prohibited under declarations they signed when they bought their units.

"We bought under certain assumptions and we don't want them to change," he said. "We're not anti-animal. We're just trying to keep our investment safe."

Overall, there are 11 separate buildings in the development, but most are unoccupied because the developer went belly up. Since units are still vacant, a condo association can't be formed and the declarations are binding rules.

On Wednesday night, the issue spilled over onto the city council's plate as three people spoke in support of Lindley expanding her practice to a new, separate building.

Challan Rodriguez, a former Elgin resident who lives in Gilberts, said when her 10-year-old Toy Fox Terrier "Bambino" fell ill, Lindley and her staff provided excellent, caring treatment.

"Bambino is happy and she can see and it's all because of Dr. Lindley," Rodriguez said. "We received our miracle from Dr. Lindley and we hope others can receive theirs right here in Elgin."

Carol Ronan, also a former Elgin resident who lives in Gilberts, said Lindley's is one of two practices in northern Illinois that performs eye surgeries on dogs.

Ronan said Lindley's services have been invaluable for her and her three dogs, some of which have served as therapy dogs at Elgin area nursing homes.

But even if Siegle and his three neighbors didn't object, it's doubtful the city could change the zoning for the area to allow Lindley' to move.

City regulations require a development to be at least two acres before its owners can adjust its zoning. The area of Capital Street, called Courtyards on Randall, is smaller than that.

"The city council cannot change any (zoning). We can't approve it if it's under 2 acres. Our hands are tied," said Elgin Councilman David Kaptain, who has taken his pet to Lindley's practice. "She's a great asset to the community and I don't want to drive people out. I hope she finds something that suits her needs."

Lindley's Animal Eye Consultants also has locations in Naperville, Buffalo Grove and Crestwood.

She hopes to meet with city zoning officials today.