Holistic Pet Supply Store Proposed for Main Street

Saucon Valley pet owners who try to feed their furry companions organic and natural food might become customers at a "holistic" pet supply business proposed for 1238-1242 Main Street, Hellertown.

The site plan for the business proposed by Upper Saucon Township resident Julie Vanvliet won unanimous approval by Hellertown planners at their meeting June 12.

Vanvliet said she has been managing a holistic pet store at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley and plans to buy out its inventory as of June 30 in order to open her Hellertown store.

She said the inventory includes "extremely healthful treats and dog food along with some supplements."

In addition to pet supplies, Vanvliet said she plans to offer obedience classes and "puppy kindergarten" at the store, although she doesn't expect classes to be held more than four or five times per week.

The business will not sell pets or offer pet grooming or boarding, engineer Robert Korp, of Barry Isett and Associates, told the planning commission.

Vanvliet anticipated that the store's hours will be 10am to 7pm Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday, and noon to 5pm Sunday.

Planning commission member Joe Pampanin asked if the neighbors of the proposed business--which would occupy an empty storefront at the corner of Main and Ackerman streets--are aware of the plans.

Realtor Marilyn deMendoza-Conte, of , responded that the only other nearby neighbor is , which, as a music lesson center, has rooms with soundproofed walls.

"The other units in the (adjacent) brick building are removed from this by several other spaces," she said. "I'm not anticipating it's going to be a problem."

Borough Manager Cathy Kichline asked Vanvliet if provisions will be made for "doggy doo," since animals may need to relieve themselves as they are entering or exiting the store.

"That's a very good question. I hadn't considered that," said Vanvliet.

"Absolutely, we would provide provisions for clean-up," she added.

Parking will be available in a paved lot behind the building, which recommended be relined to better identify individual parking spaces.