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Council again shoots down dog boarding downtown

By Bill Moss, Published: September 7, 2012

The Hendersonville City Council for the second time has turned down a dog groomer's request to open a doggie daycare and dog boarding facility downtown.

Dawn Maki, the owner of Dogs'n'Suds on Washington Street, wanted to move her business to First Avenue East and add doggie daycare and overnight boarding. For Maki, the council action last Thursday marked the fourth time the city Planning Board or City Council has said no to her request.
The Planning Board first recommended against a proposed text amendment allowing dog boarding in the central business district; the council agreed with that in July but asked the Planning Board to consider allowing dog boarding as a special use in the downtown district. The planners again said no in a unanimous vote, and the council Thursday night agreed again.
"She's trying to do her best to enclose the animals but I just think we open up a can of worms if we allow dog boarding facilities in this district," Councilman Steve Caraker said.
Councilman Jerry Smith noted that the city zoning ordinance suggests that noise is a factor the council should consider in allowing a land-use in the district.
"At least everyone I've ever been to, the animals are not quiet," he said.