After 7 months, Barrington signs off on pet hospital relocation
Ending a process that began seven months ago, the Barrington village board has approved an animal hospital's controversial plan to relocate along Northwest Highway.
Village board members Monday night approved Barrington Animal Hospital's plan for a 4,885-square-foot structure last occupied by Fifth Third Bank at 353 W. Northwest Highway. Established in the early 1900s at 216 S. Northwest Highway, the animal hospital will have a full-service facility with more parking about 1½ miles from the current location.
An original proposal that went before the advisory village plan commission in October called for 132 dog boarding kennels, but animal hospital representatives agreed to a reduction to 74. The proposal also was cut to one outdoor dog play area to address noise concerns from neighboring business owners and others.
Village President Karen Darch complimented the lengthy process that involved the plan commission, architectural review commission and residents. The plan commission was divided in its recommendation for the village board to approve the facility.
"So often on these projects that come before the village, it starts in one place and, because we have a really open, good process with neighborhood meetings and people engaged, the process turns out differently in the end than where it started and gets closer to something that satisfies as many people as possible," Darch said.
Because Monday night's meeting was held via video conference, Village Clerk Tony Ciganek read public comments submitted in advance.
Terri Blanke, owner of the neighboring Barrington Community Child Care Center, was among those who contested the plan from the start.
Similar to the other objectors, Blanke contended the facility would be too big for the site and would lead to more traffic on Northwest Highway, especially at peak times of drop-off and pick up of children and animals. She said the animal hospital would "greatly increase the risk and mayhem in the area."
"I am very disappointed in the outcome of the vote," Blanke said. "The decision that the village board made was not the best one for our neighborhood and, in time, the issues of safety, noise and traffic will be proven."
Resident Bill Hartman, an animal hospital supporter, said he disagreed with claims loud barking dogs would disrupt the neighborhood.
"Some mention was also made of odor from the animal hospital," Hartman said. "Again, as many times as I have visited the current hospital, I've never noticed an odor coming from the area."
The Barrington Animal Hospital will move into and renovate the existing building. An addition for veterinary operations will be built first, followed by a second structure for the kennel, dog day care and other services.
In response to a concern from Blanke at a hearing in March, the advisory architectural review commission recommended the animal hospital have a fence complementing the one around the child care center.