Residents, owners of Arbor Dog Daycare at odds over expansion
The owners of Arbor Dog Daycare appeared before the Ann Arbor Planning Commission tonight with a special request: They want to expand their business and increase the number of dogs allowed on the site.
From 25 to 125, to be exact.
They're also asking to extend the hours of operation earlier into the morning and later into the evening. And that proposal has residents biting back.
Dogs get their exercise at the Arbor Dog Daycare this afternoon. The business is hoping to expand to allow more dogs on site, but residents are protesting.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
"We don't appreciate the noise, the smell - we hear them during the day," said Jodi Simpson, a resident of Balmoral Park Condos who spoke at tonight's meeting.
Simpson said she and her neighbors are opposed to the expansion because they think it will lower the value of their homes. The residents say it's not so much the daycare that causes noise, but rather the fact that employees are out walking barking dogs during the day.
At the urging of the city's planning staff, the Planning Commission postponed approval of the expansion tonight following a public hearing that drew input from both sides. Commissioners advised the business owners - Margaret and Jon Svoboda - to meet with residents and see if they can sort out their concerns.
In the meantime, the city's planning staff has other issues it wants to address regarding Arbor Dog Daycare's request for a special exception use for the 6.5-acre property at 2856 S. Main Street. The site is on the west side of South Main Street, north of Eisenhower Parkway and the Briarwood Mall.
Margaret Svoboda said the business currently employs about nine people, and that will double with the expansion.
Margaret Svoboda, owner of Arbor Dog Daycare, appeared before the Planning Commission tonight to request approval to expand the business. Action on approving that request was postponed for now.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"We would like to grow our business and give exceptional care to more dogs," she said, suggesting there's a great need in the community. "Dog daycares offer people with dogs who work a place to bring their dogs to get their energy out and to socialize the dogs so they're better citizens when they go to the dog park."
The business owners are seeking approval to expand the existing dog kennel facility from 3,200 square feet to 8,800 square feet, increase the capacity from 25 to 125 dogs and expand hours. Daycare services for dogs currently are offered weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The business owners want to expand hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.
No major physical improvements are proposed. Instead, the daycare owners plan to use an additional 5,600 square feet of vacant space at the northeast corner of the 25,000-square foot building and 13 existing parking spaces to the east.
Prior to tonight's meeting, commissioners were provided copies of at least four letters from residents opposed to the expansion. Some worried the number of dogs currently allowed on site already bark loudly.
Barbara Exel, executive director of University Living, a 90-unit senior housing complex at 2865 S. Main St., said the business has made it difficult for residents in her complex to enjoy being outside. She said she also has concerns about possible odors and increased traffic from the expansion.
Elaine Davidge, residential manager for Brookhaven Manor, a senior apartment complex at 401 W. Oakbrook, entered a petition into the record tonight signed by residents of her complex who oppose the expansion.
Arbor Dog Daycare has been in business at its current location just north of the Briarwood Mall for three years, providing a solution for dog owners who want their pets cared for while they are away during the day.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
"I can't believe and they can't believe that we will not hear 125 dogs right next to us and that will disturb our residents," Davidge said. "They won't have the enjoyment of their patios and balconies or open up their door walls to enjoy the air."
Margaret and Jon Svoboda told city officials they held two information meetings in November, and only one resident showed up. The business owners have submitted a petition with more than 60 signatures of support for their project.
"We've been there three years. The only time people started coming out of the woodwork (to complain) was when we wanted to ask to be able to do something like this," Jon Svoboda told commissioners.
"In three years that we've been at this location, we have never personally received a single complaint from anyone," added Margaret Svoboda.
Ann Arbor resident Sean Stayduhar said he and his wife have been customers of Arbor Dog Daycare for the last three years and have not regretted it.
"We do not take our dog care lightly - our dogs are our children - so for us to drop our dog off somewhere would be like somebody with kids dropping their kids off at a daycare," he said. "Really, they do a great job and I personally from driving out and being there ... have not heard the noises and things that are a concern."
Commissioner Jean Carlberg said she went out and explored the site today and noticed there was a slight sound of barking, but nothing offensive. But other commissioners said they have no choice but to take residents' concerns seriously.
The city's planning staff recommended postponing approval of the special exception use to give the business owners time to address staff comments.
Commissioners said they want more details on the outdoor "dog run" area on the site and the level of outside activity it will entail. They also want more information on parking, noise levels and possible odors coming from the site.
Under the city's zoning ordinance, kennel facilities for small animals such as dogs must be completely enclosed in a sound-proof building and cannot produce objectionable odors, according to a staff report.
Jon Svoboda said there aren't smell issues because all waste is bagged, sealed and disposed in a Dumpster. He also cited a sound study that showed the level of noise created by the dogs is less than the noise coming from Main Street.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Tansy's Mom
Mon, Dec 21, 2009 : 3:20 p.m.
My dog has been a regular happy camper at Arbor Dog Daycare for the two years we have had her. The owners and staff at Arbor Dog have become her second family, and the attention and activity she gets there have helped her become a fantastic member of our family. They definitely provide a desired and needed service for the Ann Arbor community, and they are owned and operated by fellow members of our community. We have never noticed a lot of barking (or odor!) from the daycare when we drop off and pick up our dog. In fact, for the most part, the dogs are quiet because they are engaged and happy. In contrast, my neighbor has one dog tied on a chain in the back of his house, who constantly barks an irritating whine during the many hours he is left alone on his chain. I'd take 125 happy dogs at Arbor Dog Daycare over the one poor, neglected whining dog any day! I really wish my neighbor would take his unhappy dog to daycare, so the rest of our neighborhood would not have to listen to his doleful sounds all day long! Seriously, if people think there is a lot of noise or odor from the site, they should actually go over there and check it out before weighing in on the conversation. And, our public officials owe it to the whole community to personally visit the site before making a judgment. As far as I can tell, the neighbors complaints are unfounded and overblown.
Sam
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 9:06 p.m.
As a current employee of Arbor Dog Daycare and having worked there for almost 2 years I find it odd that people are now just complaining about "the noise" and "the smell." I have a great job. A dog is man's/woman's best friend and that says it all! I love going to work and seeing, playing and having fun with the dogs. How many people can say they enjoy going to work? I have three dogs of my own and I can't imagine my life at the moment without them. People who bring their dogs to the daycare bring them there for various reasons. Maybe they have a 9-5 job and don't want their dog to be cooped up at home all day. Or maybe their dog can get bored and have separation issues and being at the daycare during the day can give them peace of mind that their dog isn't getting into trouble at home. Maybe they bring their dog for socialization so the dog isn't aggressive to strangers or passing dogs when they are out and about with their dog. You know what, each one of the examples I just gave goes for a number of dogs at the daycare and there are so many more reasons why people bring their dogs to Arbor Dog Daycare. As far as the neighbors go, I agree with Josh Budde and others on here. The "warehouse" was there before the condos were built and its funny how after working there for almost two years that I have never received a call complaining about the so called noise levels or about the smell. Guess what, I work there and obviously when dogs defecate there is a smell, but we as the staff are quick to clean up the mess, and sanitize the area. With dogs being walked 3-4 times daily for the 3 yrs the business has been there isn't the grass still green on the field? Does the green grass grow? Yes to both questions. How is it that a close apartment complex signed petitions that they had no problem with the expansion and they had no problem with the business? Whats even funnier is I was there the night Arbor Dog Daycare opened its doors to the neighborhood and only one person showed up! One person out of hundreds of postcards that I personally helped put stamps on! If you give people with nothing to do but look out their window and see whose lives they can ruin a reason to do so, they will. I would bet these people who are complaining do not have dogs. The first thing anyone does before purchasing a home or signing a lease looks to see who their neighbors are and what's in the neighborhood. If you dont like dogs then why would you move near a dog daycare? The dumpster where we throw the dog waste away smells like every dumpster Ive ever been in contact with. Furthermore, if Arbor Dog Daycare was so noisy and smelly do you seriously think that our loyal clients would continue to throw their money away on daycare for their dogs that they love and consider apart of their family? The doors at Arbor Dog Daycare are always open (during business hours obviously) to anyone in the neighborhood who wishes to check us out. I for one would be happy to answer anyones questions as would any of the staff there!
Sam
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 10:24 p.m.
As a current employee of Arbor Dog Daycare and having worked there for almost 2 years I find it odd that people are now just complaining about "the noise" and "the smell." I have a great job. A dog is man's/woman's best friend and that says it all! I love going to work and seeing, playing and having fun with the dogs. How many people can say they enjoy going to work? I have three dogs of my own and I can't imagine my life at the moment without them. People who bring their dogs to the daycare bring them there for various reasons, mainly because they care about them but, maybe they have a 9-5 job and don't want their dog to be cooped up at home all day. Or maybe their dog can get bored and have separation issues and being at the daycare during the day can give them peace of mind that their dog isn't getting into trouble at home. Maybe they bring their dog for socialization so the dog isn't aggressive to strangers or passing dogs when they are out and about with their dog. You know what, each one of the examples I just gave goes for a number of dogs at the daycare and there are so many more reasons why people bring their dogs to Arbor Dog Daycare. As far as the neighbors go, I agree with Josh Budde and others on here. The "warehouse" was there before the condos were built and its funny how after working there for almost two years that I have never received a call complaining about the so called noise levels or about the smell. Guess what, I work there and obviously when dogs defecate there is a smell, but we as the staff are quick to clean up the mess, and sanitize the area. With dogs being walked 3-4 times daily for the 3 yrs the business has been there isn't the grass still green on the field? Does the green grass grow? Yes to both questions. How is it that a close apartment complex signed petitions that they had no problem with the expansion and they had no problem with the business? Whats even funnier is I was there the night Arbor Dog Daycare opened its doors to the neighborhood and only one person showed up! One person out of hundreds of postcards that I personally helped put stamps on! If you give people with nothing to do but look out their window and see whose lives they can ruin a reason to do so, they will. I would bet these people who are complaining do not have dogs. The first thing anyone does before purchasing a home or signing a lease looks to see who their neighbors are and what's in the neighborhood. If you dont like dogs then why would you move near a dog daycare? The dumpster where we throw the dog waste away smells like every dumpster Ive ever been in contact with. Furthermore, if Arbor Dog Daycare was so noisy and smelly do you seriously think that our loyal clients would continue to throw their money away on daycare for their dogs that they love and consider apart of their family? The doors at Arbor Dog Daycare are always open (during business hours obviously) to anyone in the neighborhood who wishes to check us out. I for one would be happy to answer anyones questions as would any of the staff there!
a2guy1974
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 2:39 p.m.
good debate here, i can almost see both sides of the story. i'd like to use the swift run [dog park] as an example, since i frequent this place often with my own dog. anybody who brings their dog to swift run would probably agree: it's pretty quiet around there, even with a lot of dogs present (there can be upwards of 50-75 dogs on any given evening during the summer months.) my experience is that dogs playing together outside--running around free, happy, and untethered--don't necessarily make a ton of noise. they're too busy having fun running and playing. in fact, it's so quiet at swift run sometimes that you can hear peoples' conversations from 100 feet away, and if a few dogs do start to tussle, the noise stands out very clearly against an otherwise very quiet backdrop. i also believe that dogs have a tendency to make MORE noise when cooped up inside, and not adequately walked, or socialized. i don't know about you people, but when i walk my dog, he's not constantly barking as we walk down the street. what kind of dog does that?! i honestly think this whole issue has been blown out of proportion by bored neighbors living near the ADD, who have nothing better to do that sit around and complain. pretty typical, if you ask me.
tracyann
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 12:11 p.m.
Honestly, I'm still befuddled by the fact that there are actual daycare facilities for dogs. If you're not home enough to take of your pet then maybe you should hold off on getting one. To me, that's akin to having children and then hiring a nanny to practically raise them.
Sue
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:22 p.m.
I've been taking my dog to Arbor Dog day care several times a week for over a year and feel they are a providing a great service to the community. The facility is always clean, the staff is very caring and attentive to the dogs, and I have never encountered any foul odors - nor is the facility any noisier than the surrounding businesses or general traffic. Arbor Dog is also very convenient - centrally located for those who work around Ann Arbor. If they moved locations, they would surely not be as successful. Considering Arbor Dog is a BUSINESS, in a business district, located on a main thoroughfare (AKA South Main Street) and is 10 steps away from the Briarwood Mall, the condo people are out of line.
Doug King
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 8:14 p.m.
Our family have been a close neighbor of the Balmoral Condo's and Arbor Dog Daycare since both started. Living at Briarcrest 175 we walk our dog past both adresses at least once, but more often twice a day. We often see dogs being walked, always with one dog per walker, never more than two at a time. There simply was NO audible barking. Dogs being walked seldom bark. A quick poll of most of our fellow Condo dwellers, although living less than 100 yds from the Arbor Dog Daycare, NEVER KNEW that the Business even EXISTED! As for the residents at Brookhaven Manor and University Living, I was always surprised how little they ventured outdoors. Perhaps they are always cowering in their rooms terrified of seeing or smelling a dog? More likely they too were hardly aware of the Arbor Dog Daycare existence. Until of course someone with a clipboard comes and asks "Do you want a business with a bunch of dogs right across the street? If they are really Old and Grumpy like me they will of course answer "Hell No!"
Just_Six
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 5:03 p.m.
I believe the boarding must be quiet because I live in that neighborhood and I had no idea they were doing boarding. This was news to me.
Deb
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 2:33 p.m.
Dogs ARE potty trained at night, at least mine are. Very rarely do either of my dogs ever need to go outside at night. Overnight boarding is done INSIDE at this establishment, from my understanding. Inside that sound protected building.
A2westside
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 2:11 p.m.
@pvitaly - Thanks for comfirming they are a 24/7 operation. So, they will be exercising(walking)the dogs at all hours of the day and night. Unless the dogs are potty trained that is :-). 125 dogs uninating in one area - better there than on my property....
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 12:50 p.m.
Sound is complex, and comparing a relatively white noise, like traffic, to the sudden bark of a dog is not an accurate comparison. Zoning laws protect people to a certain extent. It's hard to complain - most people aren't receptive to complaints.
pvitaly
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 12:50 p.m.
@A2westside, after hours of operation, the daycare becomes a boarding service. People leave their dogs there when they go out of town and cannot take the pet with them. What people do not realize is that dogs will exert their energy at this place and learn how to behave while their owners cannot provide that for them. SO, when we get back into the real world... the dog will not attack a child or worse because it will not be so aggressive.
Deb
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 12:48 p.m.
Walking 125 dogs at a time would create a "noise issue." It would also be impossible. From my understanding, the business in question provides walks for dogs (this is a wonderful touch of service that my dog daycare does not provide, I might add)...not ALL THE DOGS AT ONCE....noise won't be an issue; it would be the same level. Any business at an industrial park will have some level of noise, be it a hammering sound, vacuuming, steel saws, general machinery...an occasional bark is much more welcome than listening to a saw for hours at a time. The owners bag the dog feces...like child and senior daycares bag diapers/Depends. A restaurant would have a dumpster...I bet condos have lovely fragrant dumpsters as well...if the dog poo is bagged, the dumpster will be no more odorous than another, simply a different latent smell. People are outraged that "some people" pay better attention to animals. That is not the issue here. If you are against dog daycares on principle...fine. But this dog daycare seems to have enough of "some people" as customers and are interested in expanding, thereby helping the local economy. The business has certain hours of operation...more regulated than zoned housing; therefore, a more regulated neighbor. The owners also seem genuinely interested in being a good neighbor. I think I will look into their services; they offer more than my current daycare.
Just_Six
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 12:37 p.m.
I not only live next to Arbor Dog Daycare, both of my dogs have the dubious honor of being kicked out for bad behavior! In spite of that experience, I have a very high opinion of Margaret and her operation. Neighbors who don't know about the facility should go and visit. You will find that it does not smell and the dogs are well cared for. The center is not open during times that are protected by the noise ordinance, and I am not worried about it affecting my property values. I will be happy to provide a letter of support for their expansion. We need the jobs--even low paying ones. With all due respect to the senior citizens in the area--I do not see that it will impact them at all. The side of their complex that faces Arbor Dog also faces an abandoned home that houses a huge ferral cat colony--maybe they should yell about that problem first. Could be the source of the smell.
A2westside
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 12:33 p.m.
Just checked Arbor's website. It says " Well trained and caring staff members are with your dog 24/7 ". I thought they open only " Hours & Location Monday thru Friday 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM SO.... does that mean dogs are there 24/7. Maybe they will want to expand their hours in the future! Also, how are they planning on preventing ground run off into the near by stream. Seems like a future "brown" field clean up for taxpayer $$$.
eCoaster
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : noon
The business is applying for a special exception to the current zoning. I am guessing that anyone who bought a condo next to the site never anticipated this use of it, since it is not normal and standard, even for an industrial park.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 11:43 a.m.
"If you were looking to purchase a home and found one next to a kennel with a capacity for 125 dogs, what would you do?" I would buy the condo, then demand they shut down the kennel. Industrial park enough said.
eCoaster
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 11:36 a.m.
@ Bob Dively - thanks for the link to see where the dumpster is located. I still have a hard time believing that the smell from dog feces, kennel cleaning materials, etc. would not drift... Especially at 5 times the current amount that is being disposed. I hope this will be examined for zoning.
Bob Dively
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 11:15 a.m.
Here is a Google Maps satellite view of the building and property in question. http://bit.ly/8ukQkV The dumpster is just off the northeast corner of the building. Provided that the dog waste is properly bagged and that the Dumpster is frequently emptied, I'd be somewhat surprised if anyone 100+ yards away would be able to notice any odors. I'm a customer of the business, so I'm often fairly close to the Dumpster, and I can't recall ever smelling anything.
eCoaster
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:57 a.m.
@Josh Budde - I would hope that the business owners themselves investigated all of their options when they set to expand. They clearly want to stay where they are to maximize profit. I get that. But I doubt this site is the only way they can do it successfully. I would be curious to know where the dumpster with all of the dog waste is located in relation to neighbors. Maybe inside? Even if it is a "football field" away, it will stink in the summer. Let me add that I have lived across the street from subsidized housing for the past 5 years and do not subscribe to your view that it - and the people who live there - are a problem.
Arboriginal
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:42 a.m.
I remember when Cranbrook (now called something else I am sure) was built. A wetland was filled in against state regulations. Boy, it totally ruined my way of life and it sure was a nuisance. And come to think of it, there are no more pheasant roaming those fields after Briarwood was erected. It nearly killed me. Thank goodness the janitor at JC Penney contacted the DNR and had those holding ponds stocked with fish. If not for him my life would have been destroyed. Oh man, off topic again. WOOF!
RuralMom
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:31 a.m.
Laura Paynter, I am NOT against this expansion. I am against someone complaining behind the offenders backs, and never giving them a chance to correct a situation. We need more jobs period, this is not a strip club, its a dog daycare. As an animal owner and lover, we need more places like this one.
StephinA2
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:25 a.m.
I know this will be an unpopular opinion and not necessarily "politically/socially correct," but the way those persons who object to the noise levels from a kennel feel is the way I feel about the noise that can -- and often does -- emanate from a group of children playing outside. The squeals, screams, laughter, and shouts (regardless of whether or not a result of playful abandonment) can be just as disturbing and irritating as a barking dog, especially if it's during the summertime when the extension of daylight coupled with no school allows for late evening play. Therefore, I made a conscious decision not to live next to a child daycare, playground, or school.
pvitaly
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:19 a.m.
As a new dog owner, I am glad this article was published because I have never heard of a dog day care! That said, noise ordinances take effect at certain hours. At two in the afternoon, you can go outside and scream all you want. This goes for that neighbor that gets up at 7am and starts using a circular saw outside because he really wants to get his patio finished before the summer is over. But, did he not take into consideration that I do NOT work at 7 am and would like to sleep in 'til noon with the rest of the people with a hangover? How rude of him! Also... I go to the dog park at Elsworth and Platt all the time and there are always dozens of dogs there...there is rarely much barking going on and a LOT of pooping! There are only a few trash cans for the poop and bags are provided. I have never smelled ANYTHING. And, for the people that moved into the condos in an industrial and commercial area - shame on you for complaining.
Josh Budde
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:18 a.m.
@topcat-unless you googled 'things near this address' you'd probably never know the daycare was there. And if you did google things near it, probably your eye would be drawn to the thin line of trees between your new $220k condo and the low income housing next door. Just my take on it.
jcj
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:10 a.m.
It says volumes about our society when there are this many comments about dogs. If this was about abortion or child abuse there would not be nearly as many passionate comments.
Josh Budde
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:09 a.m.
@Coaster-do you have a suggestion for such a place? On a major thoroughfare, in an established industrial area, with open spaces for dog walking well set back from established residences and with a property owner willing to allow rental from a business like this? And perhaps they should pull out their money from a small local property owner and rent something from a McKinley or other large corporate land holder here in town? Their current building is well set back from all roads (at least 150ft). If you add in the road, plus the setback for the condos you're looking at almost 300ft from the daycare to the condors. Thats a football field between the daycare and any other building. How is that not a reasonable buffer?
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:09 a.m.
Good post snapshot. People should be allowed to have their windows open without unreasonable disturbances. Even seniors. What is wrong with a nap? Uninterupted? They don't put highrises in the country and kennels aren't best suited to the city. Did you read the ordinance? Which part of completely enclosed and soundproof is misunderstood? These same issue come up in relation to dog parks. I can't believe there isn't a wealthy individual with about 40 acres willing to set up that type of business if it so needed. These business owners want a kennel and a dog park! There is a huge difference between a few dogs and over a hundred!
mermaid72
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:04 a.m.
Better a few barking dogs than a bunch of barfing ex-cons & junkies. And please Ms. Laura Paynter, could you please use spell-check, and punctuation? Your comments are quite interesting, but totally undecipherable.
eCoaster
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:02 a.m.
@Josh Budde - perhaps this business should find additional lease space elsewhere, if there is such demand for their services that warrants expanding by 400%. Space is readily available and inexpensive right now.
jcj
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:55 a.m.
Wake up Ohio! Do we really want to forget about the tax paying neighbors concerns just so we can add 4-5 minimum wage part time jobs to the economy? What a windfall this would be for us poor Ann Arbor residents! Why then we could build another homeless shelter! Try spell check it is really hard to follow your point.
Josh Budde
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:54 a.m.
@eCoaster-the business would probably fail if it was moved to a spot far away. It can thrive in its current location because of its proximity to major thoroughfares. They are in an industrial park as it is-and well set back from the road. The only people strongly opposed to this are the condo owners. I'm not sure how having the daycare in an established industrial area next to their condos is going to lower their property value any lower than it is currently-on the other side of the condos there is low income housing and with long vacant condo's inside of their condo collection (some of which haven't sold since the place was built) I think they have other things to worry about.
Josh Budde
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:50 a.m.
@snapshot-the field in question is private property. The neighbors (condo owners and residents of the senior apartments) should not be walking over there to 'get feces on their shoes to track inside'. The dogs are never walked on the street-only in this private grassy area. As for the noise-when the dogs are inside and rowdy, you can only hear them when approaching the building. If the daycare is such a problem for the condo owners next door, perhaps they should take up a collection and lease out the empty space-then they can stop the expansion dead in its tracks. Or of course, when they purchased their $220k condos right next to an industrial building they might have spent two seconds considering that something like the current situation may arise in the future-but perhaps thats too much forethought to ask of people.
eCoaster
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:46 a.m.
@Laura Paynter - If there is such potential for this business to expand, why not open a new site AWAY from a densely populated area, where neighbors do not have to tolerate noise, odor, etc? Those of us who support the residents in this situation have nothing against a successful business enterprise, but it should not detract from the community around it. Hopefully, the Planning Commission will take this into serious consideration.
Laura Paynter
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:44 a.m.
wow RuralMom and jcj I dont even know where to start with you comments, but I will try/ They run on private property it is a business I am sure it has more thne cleaness to the business other wise people would not keep taking there pets there and the business would not have enough money to exspand really get over your selfs. old people are always goign to be woke up by something what is their sleeping time anyhow. 2 in the afternoon. if this was a 24 hour urgegent care business going in there would this even be an issue I think notbut really what do old people care thye got monthly income who care if younger people can put clothes on their kids right?
Bob Dively
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:43 a.m.
@snapshot - The dogs are walked on private property.
lumberg48108
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:41 a.m.
A business is not the same social situation as a neighbor! People tread lightly with neighbors becuase, well, you have to live next to them. I have never heard such restraint as it pertains to a business. As the phrase goes "business is business" if they have not received a single complaint it all this time, then people need to man up and let business thrive
eCoaster
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:36 a.m.
@snapshot - I completely agree! Thanks for stating this viewpoint so eloquently. I do not doubt that the owners of this business are offering a valuable service to people who do not have time to spend with their pets during the day, but residents in this area should not have to tolerate the noise and odor of an expanded operation.
Laura Paynter
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:26 a.m.
I live in Ohio right now been talking to family that still live in Michigan they tell us thigns are very bad for Michigan right now, Has all of Michigan goverment lost there minds? here is a business ready to expand and hire more people and they want to talk about other uses REALLY oh my God if thye would get out of these peoples why thye might open 10 or 15 other stores across the darn state or help other 2. Oh my God how long has this area the 6.5 achers been not used a cross from the mall oh wow ah people wouldnt take there dogs there for a couple hours while shopping and more thne likly go 2 that mall more. man i need to be president. never cared about politic before bit after what this country did to sara Paylin I am OUT RAGED.
snapshot
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 9:04 a.m.
It seems that many folks here have more respect for animals than they do for people, including the elderly. I particularly take issue with decibal levels and comparisons of barking to traffic noise. Not a fair comparison since traffic noise is constant background noise while barking is interuptive and far more annoying. I like that folks say there is just barking when the dogs are out walking and going to the bathroom. Do they pick up the urine? Hose it down? What about the residue of the feces. Do you want your kids rolling around in all that waste residue tracking it into your home on the bottom of your shoes? What about odor? Talk about thinking your crap doesn't stink! What about other folks walking and having to navigate leashes and dogs? It seems to me that Ann Arbor has the most inconsiderate dog owners because they think of them as children. Animals are not children, they are animals. They may not bite owners but may not give strangers the same consideration while passing them, even on a leash. I would recommend listening to the residents in opposition, not the profits motivated business owners or the convenience oriented pet owners. Your darn right I wouldn't want 125 barking dogs in my by yard. There are zoning laws for a reason.
RuralMom
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 8:55 a.m.
JCJ - if you don't have the gumption to speak with your neighbors about an issue then its on YOU. If this facility has received no complaints, then how can you know that its a problem? Complaining behind someones back, where they are not informed of problem or get the opportunity to correct it, makes YOU apart of the problem.
jcj
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 8:32 a.m.
I do not live near Arbor dog daycare and had never heard of it. I would like to address only one part of the story. "In three years that we've been at this location, we have never personally received a single complaint from anyone," That does not surprise me. In the 40 years I have lived in my house I have complained TO A NEIGHBOR only once about their dog. And that was 35 years ago when we had small children. Note I did not say I didn't complain, my wife and I complain almost every day about the lack of respect some dog owners have for their neighbors. We are constantly awakened by barking dogs. My main point is just because you don't receive any complaints does not mean you are not a nuisance!
cheshirecat
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 8:12 a.m.
I am a customer of Arbor Dog and have been for over a year. I also live about a block away in an apartment complex. I regularly walk my dog around the entire block near the condo complex, the senior citizen high rise and Arbor Dog and I can tell you, I have never heard any barking coming from the building--just occasionally from the dogs when they are outside--on leashes---going to the bathroom. And I probably walk around that complex 4-5 times a week at least in the summer. Further, we have always been extremely impressed with Arbor Dog's service, their employees, and it is an incredible asset to anyone who works and has a dog. It would be great to see them expand and have the opportunity to hire more people.
SMAIVE
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 7:50 a.m.
This isn't a NIMBY issue, it's a legitimate noise concern. Between my neighbor's two constantly barking dogs and another dog yelping across the way, I can relate to countless hours of irrating, unending noise. Three dogs yelping is bad enough, but a hundred more in a residential type setting? Best pray the majority of the seniors are hard of hearing.
BornNRaised
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 5:50 a.m.
So we have a local business that actually wants to expand and employee more people and they have to ask for permission and fight to do this? Are you serious?!?!?! The residents don't like the dogs barking when they go for walks? Wow, wonder if they have an issue with the birds chirping in the summer too. This is absolutely ridiculous that it's even an issue.
RhondaM
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 12:56 a.m.
I think this is a good business and should be able to expand. I was a pet-sitter for years, and the dogs at this location will not cause anymore disturbance to the area than the usual traffic the passes by. Sorry but I think the disturbances from the U of M football games is more of a concern than a legit, local business that is trying to expand to better serve Ann Arbor.
Jim
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 12:31 a.m.
There are a lot of "sick puppies" out there and they aren't of the canine species. They'll crap on someone else's turf and raise a stink because they think they get to mark everyone else's territory. Tell them to "get a life"...go get a pet.
wendy
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 12:02 a.m.
So typical to see the NIMBY outrage. These folks have a great service (I'm not a current customer there but have been meaning to check it out for my own dog). Kudos to Jean Carlberg for taking the time to check out the scene for herself and not rely on hysterical claims about plummeting property values. For the record, I live downtown and see the same thing every time there is discussion of a new halfway house.