We are all animal lovers and believe that Stafford County requires a humane center ["SPCA issue brings out crowd to public hearing," April 2].
However, it is important that such a center be located in a commercial zone and not in a residential neighborhood.
The proposed animal shelter on Andrew Chapel Road is in a residential area. It is not a commercial site and does not have county water and sewer services.
Animal shelters are traditionally in commercial zones that can accommodate their water and sewer needs. The water and sewer requirements for an animal shelter are high. The proposed site would use well water and septic systems.
The proposed plan is much more than a simple animal rescue program and includes veterinary and crematory services, which make it a commercial concern rather than a nonprofit SPCA.
Therefore, zoning regulations must be considered based on commercial regulations rather than nonprofit regulations.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors should consider that Meadow Brook Estates and the surrounding residential communities contribute substantial revenue to the county.
Property values in these communities will plummet if the proposed animal shelter is located in their midst.
Moreover, the daily activities of the animal shelter include the use of chemicals and other toxic materials, and there is no way to ensure that fumes from the crematorium--and the chemicals used to disinfect the animals and their waste--will not leach into the community, posing a serious danger to the health of residents.
My neighbors and I are upfront in indicating that while we are strongly supportive of an animal shelter, we are adamant that the shelter be located appropriately in a commercial zone.
Frank B. Withrow
Stafford