A nonprofit animal rescue is seeking assistance from Crown Point residents after facing disappointing news regarding their chosen location. At the August 24 meeting, the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals gave an unfavorable recommendation for rezoning property for New Leash on Life’s proposed 20,000-square-foot facility situated on South Court Street.
The nonprofit aims to present its project to the Crown Point City Council at an upcoming meeting. They plan to make their case at City Hall on September 8. New Leash on Life released a computer graphic rendering of the shelter exterior, showcasing their intended development.
The zoning proposal met opposition from a building contractor and homeowners from a nearby luxury home community. Concerns include potential noise, effects on property value, traffic, and allergens. Board members reported receiving 60 to 70 letters against the plan.
Donna Burrell Pace, founder of New Leash on Life, expressed her surprise at the board’s decision. She urged supporters to reach out to Crown Point council members in favor of the project before the September meeting:
“They need to write letters, make phone calls, and attend the meeting to show support. It’s crucial for the council to realize the community need for this facility,” Pace stated.
The property in question is an open field currently zoned as Residential Zone 1. Located near St. Jude House and across from the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA, Pace highlighted its suitability due to nearby nonprofit facilities and a natural wooded perimeter.
BZA Vice-Chairman Jeremy Taylor motioned for the proposal’s unfavorable recommendation, further supported by BZA member John Marshall. Taylor commented on the project during the meeting:
“The suggested petition would introduce a new intensity of use, unlike the existing surrounding properties, which lack adequate buffers and landscaping to protect nearby properties.”
Rick Mossell, of Heartland Builders of Northwest Indiana, partnered with the Golden Meadows Subdivision located directly south of the proposed nonprofit facility. He expressed concerns during public commentary:
“We bought the property expecting its residential classification. The idea of installing a facility with outdoor kennels and barking dogs is unacceptable.”
Resident Diana Murray echoed concerns, citing potential noise disturbances, despite buffers like the wooded area and distance.
“Our neighborhood heard children from the nearby YMCA summer program, and the fairground sounds permeated throughout. If these noises could reach us, so could those from the shelter.”
According to New Leash on Life’s engineering firm, DVG Team Inc., the nearest southwest home sits 650 feet away, buffered by 50 to 140 feet of trees. Another residence lies northwest, approximately 750 feet away across the pond with significant tree buffers.
Caleb Kreis, New Leash on Life project manager, explained efforts to address residents’ concerns:
“We’ve modeled designs on state-of-the-art facilities prioritizing stress and noise reduction, with renowned architects and contractors developing this type of facility.”
Anna Schoon, Executive Director of St. Jude House, voiced her support for rezoning during public comments:
“Many residents delay leaving dangerous situations considering their pets’ safety. This facility reassures the survivors knowing their pets are safe nearby.”
Potential nonprofit partners like Crown Point Community Foundation plan a new facility on adjacent property. They plan to build a single-story office complex nearby. Mary Nielsen, CPCF president, praised the area’s natural attributes:
“This area has become home for various for-purpose organizations. The beautiful natural setting makes it ideal for walking paths for people and pets.”
Crown Point City Council supported CPCF’s zoning change petition, converting it from Residential Zone 1 to Open Space Type 1. This designation is often reserved for community and civic developments. The Plan Commission recently approved their site development plan, aiming for facility completion by mid-2027.