HOULTON, Maine — A local animal hospital is looking to relocate its business, but first needs Town Council approval to do so because of zoning regulations.
The Presque Isle Animal Hospital is currently located at 32 Access Road in Houlton. Kevin Tingley, the town’s code enforcement officer, said during a recent interview that the business has approached the planning board about relocating to 40 North Street. The building was once occupied by the Aroostook County Action Program and Portland Glass.
Tingley said that the council needs to approve a change in the zoning ordinance, however, before the business can relocate to that part of town. Animal hospitals are allowed in that section of North Street, but kennels are not.
Sue Tortello, who is both a councilor and a member of the planning board, said at a meeting earlier this month that the animal hospital plans to have both indoor and outdoor kennels in order to accommodate clients. This raised some concerns from councilors, who wondered if noise from barking dogs would disturb residents who live on Bowdoin Street where properties abut that part of North Street.
Dustin Cook, practice manager of Presque Isle Animal Hospital, noted in a letter to the planning board that the North Street facility would be large enough to provide enough space inside for boarding animals while also providing sufficient outdoor space for proper exercise.
Cook indicated that the facility would install sound proofing to keep the noise complaints under control.
Tortello told fellow councilors that the planning board had recommended the project, pending the council’s approval.
The councilors agreed to bring the matter forward for a public hearing. A first reading of the matter was scheduled for Monday, April 22, with a public hearing to follow on May 13.
