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Commission discusses animal shelter site needs, Poor House Tract options and timber management
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a search for a replacement animal shelter with Friends of Northumberland County Animal Shelter (FNCAS); FNCAS requested up to 15 acres, but commissioners discussed topography and realism of that request. Maurice Johnson suggested subdividing the Poor House Tract to free a site for the shelter and land for light industrial use; Commissioner Brann urged assessing timber harvest value and potential forest management planning.
The Planning Commission discussed plans to identify a site for a replacement Northumberland County animal shelter and broader county land‑use options during its Jan. 15 meeting.
Commissioner John Kost said he has been working with Peter Williams of Friends of Northumberland County Animal Shelter (FNCAS) to clarify the shelter’s desired building footprint and overall land needs; Kost said the group requested about 15 acres but acknowledged that acreage might not be realistic due to topography and development costs. Kost noted site development costs can surpass building costs and stressed the need for footprint and site‑plan examples.
From the audience, Maurice Johnson (Economic Development Commission liaison) suggested subdividing the county’s Poor House Tract, noting the western portion lacks historical resources and could be used to site the animal shelter while other parcels were sold or prepared for light industrial development. Commissioner James Brann said the county should provide a list of surplus county parcels to the Board of Supervisors and asked whether the county is losing money by not having a forest management plan; Brann recommended a timber survey to assess harvest timing and value.
Commissioners discussed fence and acreage preferences expressed by FNCAS; Kost said the group had asked for a fenced 10‑acre area but that the 15‑acre request and full fencing may be unrealistic. Kost also suggested exploring grant opportunities and partnerships to offset site costs.
Chairman Garfield Parker asked staff to prepare the list of county parcels the Commission has recommended for possible sale and forward it to the Board of Supervisors for February consideration. The Commission did not take a final vote on a shelter site; the discussion produced direction to gather additional information and consider site feasibility and funding options.
