Proposed Fairfield Animal Hospital And Dog Hotel Takes Case To P&Z

FAIRFIELD, CT — The owner of the proposed animal hospital and dog hotel in Fairfield told the Town Plan and Zoning Commission Tuesday night that if the project is approved, his firm will be a good neighbor to residents in the vicinity and Fairfield overall.

Dr. Philip Putter is looking to add the proposed Fairfield location to the Spot On Veterinary Hospital & Hotel he already has in Stamford, and in an emotional presentation to the commission, he said the facility will be top-notch.

"The whole point of our operation is to break the mold of what is typical," Putter said, stressing his business is way above just a kennel. "We hold ourselves to a much higher standard."

Attorney John Knuff, who represents Spot On, agreed.

"The Fairfield location will be state-of-the-art in all aspects," Knuff said.

Spot On took up the whole public hearing Tuesday, which left no time for the public to speak. But TP&Z Chair Thomas Noonan said the public hearing will continue at the commission's Jan. 24 meeting, and could even stretch into a third hearing, or more, if necessary.

Tuesday's hearing was attended by dozens of residents, many of whom oppose the proposal, which would go into a former Hyundai dealership at 2269 Post Road in Southport.

The potential for excessive noise from the facility is chief among their concerns, but according to a sound expert hired by Spot On, the business will not emit noise beyond ambient levels during most hours.

To help mitigate noise, the facility intends to add plantings, fencing and sound absorbing materials inside the building. Additionally, it will limit the number of dogs outside on the property to one to 15.

Representatives from Spot On met with a group of neighbors last month, and promised to do everything it can to eliminate any odors from the facility; will keep any outdoor dog play areas at least 50 feet from adjacent residential properties; will not allow any dogs outside that are unattended; and will not allow any outside activity after 8 p.m. or before 6 a.m.

"We want our neighbors to love us," Putter said, adding he was looking for a location in the Fairfield/Westport/Southport area for the new Spot On for more than three years, and the facility will create 50 new jobs, if approved.