GLOCESTER – Members of the Glocester Zoning Board unanimously rejected a request by a resident last month to operate a kennel at his home to train dogs for acting jobs.
Jason Young had requested a special use permit for his property at 616 Snake Hill Road, telling the board that he anticipated housing five to six small dogs of various breeds. Young was hoping to convert a garage on the house into a kennel, noting he would use sound proof materials, and that the animals would not be on the property often because they would spend their days on film sets, according to notes in the decision.
The single family house sits on a 10-acre lot in an agricultural residential – or A4 – zone.
Young said he also hoped to build runs on the property, noting the dogs would only stay at the house for two to three months at a time during training and filming. He told zoners he currently has one dog that is in commercials.
Two neighbors testified against the request, with one stating that she’s had trouble with his previous animals, and that “her peaceful life has been disrupted by chickens, dogs and goats.”
The Planning Board had already issued a negative recommendation at their meeting in August, pointing out that Young did not have a site plan or a plan for sound-proofing at the time.
Zoners agreed, stating the use not compatible with the area, as there are no other animal facilities nearby. Board members also stated that since Young only planned to offer his services to dogs selected for movie roles, the use would not help the public substantially.
The board denied the request for relief in a 5-0 vote.
Wow. 10 acres and you can still have neighbor issues with chickens and goats? My goodness. And to not be allowed to have a small kennel operation either? Time to sell and find a more animal friendly town with no close, complaining neighbors.