Stafford board votes to allow first phase of proposed SPCA

STAFFORD — Stafford supervisors voted to support an alternate Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the proposed Stafford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

After about four hours of public comments for and against the permit, the board voted on an alternative motion.

The final decision of the board was to approve a permit for phase one of the proposed project. This will allow 15 dogs and 40 cats to be sheltered in the current structure on the property of the former Brooke Nursing Center at 140 Andrew Chapel Road.

But the county, which served as the applicant for the permit, is also charged with researching the availability of county property on which the later phases of the project can be constructed and operated.

The alternate motion still calls for the county to serve as the applicant for the new permit. Planners were charged with providing information to the supervisors, who will review their findings in 90 days.

Stafford resident Bill Hoyt purchased the former Brooke Nursing Center property last year under his business, Muddy Dogs LLC, with the intent of running an SPCA.

After being denied a by-right permit for the property, the county agreed to serve as the applicant for a conditional use permit.

Hoyt’s phased-in plans for the 10.2-acre site included adding amenities such as several kennel structures, a horse paddock, a barn, a wildlife rehabilitation area, a crematorium, a memorial garden and a dog park.

Although the proposed SPCA has thousands of supporters, the project raised the ire of some surrounding Meadowbrook residents and has been fraught with controversy during a process that has taken nearly one year to reach a decision.

The conditional use permit has been an item for heated debate in county chambers.

Although there are still passionate concerns, during the nearly four hours of Tuesday evening’s public hearing, the comments were somewhat less heated than those expressed in the past.

Hoyt arrived with attorney Clark Leming, who is considered an expert on land use issues.

The attorney presented Hoyt’s case to the board, responded to their questions, and provided them with a petition with 4,000 signatures supporting the proposed SPCA.

The public comments were handled in an orderly manner since the county instituted a procedure of residents signing up in advance to speak at the meetings.

Irene Egan presented a slide briefing with an alternate location for the project. She suggested that the SPCA be located on 30 acres of landfill property.

Falmouth Supervisor and Board Chair George Schwartz entered a motion to deny the permit. Aquia District Supervisor Paul Milde, a staunch supporter of the proposed SPCA, entered a motion to approve the permit. Hartwood Supervisor Joe Brito suggested that the decision be delayed.

But Egan’s presentation seemed to be the catalyst that spurred the final action.

Based on discussions by board members on the original proposal and Egan’s presentation, Rockhill District Supervisor Cord Sterling entered the alternate motion.

The motion passed 4 to 2, with Schwartz and Griffis-Widewater District Supervisor Bob Woodson dissenting.

When it became clear that the original conditional use permit was not to be approved, Hoyt said, “At least it’s a start.”

Meadowbrook resident Ozzy Ramos, who has opposed the permit, believes most of the residents would support the downsized plans for the SPCA. He said, “It’s a win-win situation.”

Prior to the board’s decision, opponents to the original permit threatened to sue Hoyt and the county.

At the hearing, Rockhill resident Chuck Feldbush said he has written a letter to the U.S. attorney’s office requesting an investigation of a campaign contribution in a supervisor’s race and its possible connection to SPCA developments.

The SPCA permit battle brought attention to the issue of campaign contributions and the board recently adopted new rules.

Although a modified permit was approved, Hoyt will still need to abide by conditions such as roadway and bridge improvements addressed in the original permit.

A webcast of the complete public hearing is available for viewing on the county Web site.

Marty van Duyne is a contributing writer for the Stafford County Sun.