Plan Commission hears workshop for 22,000 sq ft New Leash on Life shelter and clinic; capacity, services detailed

New Leash on Life presented a workshop on May 26 for a proposed 22,000‑square‑foot animal shelter and veterinary clinic on Lot 2 of the Foundation Preserves subdivision (Petition PC 26‑28). Donna Burrell‑Pace, CEO of New Leash on Life, described the facility program: adoption services, training and education, a food pantry, space for events, and partnerships to shelter animals of domestic violence survivors. She said the facility entrance "will resemble a doghouse," and that the primary structure will be masonry. Project engineer Caleb Kreis said the proposal's needs assessment used Crown Point population projections and national averages and that planned capacity is "68 dogs and 68 cats."

Burrell‑Pace said the project has letters of support from Mayor Pete Land, Councilman Chad Jeffries, and Police Chief Ryan Patrick and that the facility will include a sallyport so police can drop off animals 24/7. Dr. Danielle Pace‑Kreis explained the clinic will provide minor medical care and low‑cost public services (spay/neuter and vaccinations) but will not offer 24‑hour emergency public care or boarding. Commissioners requested noise analyses for outdoor play areas, verification of setbacks (applicant reported roughly 800 feet to the road), and confirmation whether shared access with the planned Community Foundation site will be provided. The presentation was a workshop; variances (including multiple monument signs) and a variance of use were discussed as likely applications.