Fairfield residents vow to fight dog hotel in court

FAIRFIELD — Residents vowed to continue fighting plans for a dog hotel and hospital on Post Road, even if it means going to court.

“Unlike some of our dogs, we won’t roll over,” Don Hyman, a resident opposing the proposed Spot On Veterinary Hospital and Hotel, said in a Town Plan and Zoning Commission meeting.

Hyman said he’s on the Alliance for Peaceful Fairfield Neighbors’ steering committee, a group of neighbors that oppose the plan. He noted more than 1,000 people have signed a petition against Spot On, which would be constructed at a former car dealership at 2269 Post Road if approved.

“This giant dog hotel doesn’t belong on land next to a residential neighborhood,” he said.

Hyman listed 10 reasons the commission should vote against the proposal. They include the zoning change’s unpredictable impact, the town’s lack of ability to enforce the developers’ promise to take dogs outside one at a time, overwhelming opposition from residents and how residents will fight the proposal in court if it moves forward.

Residents have fought hard against the proposed veterinary hospital and dog hotel, citing concerns about noise, smell, dog bites and how the zoning regulation amendment needed to allow it could affect the rest of town.

Dr. Philip Putter — the owner of Spot On, which has an existing location in Stamford — and his team have argued the business would have a minimal effect on quality of life in the neighborhood. He has also proposed several series of changes to his plans, including removing outside areas, which the team said are signs of good faith to nearby residents. But in yet another public hearing on the proposal, more than two dozen residents showed no sign of coming around.

Chris Mackapang, another nearby resident, said the location is not ideal for this type of business. He said he sympathizes with Putter’s efforts but feels he should have submitted his proposal to the TPZ before putting money into the project.

Mackapang said the proposal is “wildly inconsistent” with the town’s plan of conservation and development for several reasons, including that it will create noise and odor pollution, will not improve the character of neighborhoods and works against building a strong community. He said residents are tired, stressed and anxious from spending time battling the plan.

“No offense, we don’t want to be here,” he said. “But we are here. I urge you to reject the proposed zoning regulation change.”

Hugh Stein, an abutting neighbor to the property, said the issue is getting old for him, and he assumes it is for the commission as well. He said he originally was hoping for some sort of compromise between the residents and the developer, but now can’t see that happening.

“As a direct abutter, I don’t see how a piece of property that is surrounding on three sides by residents… I don’t see how that would be an appropriate use of that property,” he said.

Officials said they expect one more public hearing on the Spot On application, where the developer’s team will make its rebuttal. The commission will vote on the proposal at a future meeting.