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Kent County schedules public hearing after residents’ complaints about Foxtown Club kennel noise
Summary
Following multiple neighbor complaints about noise from a temporary kennel structure, the county scheduled a public hearing and asked the club to continue mitigation steps while permits are pending; the club representative said sound-dampening and schedule changes have reduced disturbance.
Kent County commissioners voted Sept. 16 to schedule a public hearing after receiving repeated complaints about noise from a temporary kennel operated by the Foxtown Club.
County staff and several commissioners described firsthand and reported neighbor complaints about early-morning and late-night hound noise that some residents said lasted up to an hour. The club’s representative, identified in the record as Eden, told the board the hounds are kept inside at night, let into an enclosed yard in the morning, and that staff have installed sound-dampening blankets and adjusted feeding and activity times to reduce noise. Eden said building-permit and health-department applications had been submitted and fees paid but had not yet been approved.
Why it matters: Residents told commissioners the noise has affected sleep and the quiet character of nearby neighborhoods. Commissioners emphasized they prefer not to revoke licenses without due process but want complaints heard publicly and measured against code and permits. County staff recommended allowing a 30-day period for mitigation efforts and permit review before scheduling enforcement action.
What was decided: The commissioners adopted a motion to schedule a public hearing so residents may present formal complaints and so the county can evaluate the situation on the record. Staff indicated the licensing code allows 90 days to begin construction on a permanent structure after design approvals and that revocation would require a separate hearing.
Key details and quotes: - Eden (Foxtown Club) said staff had purchased sound-dampening blankets and were actively adjusting the dogs’ schedule; she invited neighbors to contact her directly and said, “I make every effort I can to go out there and settle them down.” - County staff noted the temporary structure has a vaulted roof that reverberates sound and that the permanent structure would include insulation to mitigate noise.
Next steps: The county will advertise and hold the public hearing so neighbors may testify. Staff will continue to monitor mitigation efforts and the status of building and health approvals before any licensing enforcement action is taken.
Speakers quoted (selected): - Eden (Foxtown Club representative): “I make every effort I can to go out there and settle them down.” - County staff (summary): temporary permits submitted and unapproved; permanent kennel design includes insulation to reduce sound.
Context: The temporary kennel license was issued with the expectation that a permanent, insulated structure would be built; staff said permitting remains pending and that the licensing code allows steps for notice, design review and construction before revocation.
