ISSUE: PROPOSED DOGGIE DAY CARE CENTER

As appearing in the Dec. '08 issue of our RIO VISTA! newsletter, there are plans in the works for a luxurious dog day care, grooming, retail and dog/cat hotel to be established at the site of the former 'Tunnel Tire' property on the southeast corner of S. Federal Hwy. at 6th Ct. We are seeking your comments and feedback on the proposal...which you can read in its entirety on pg. 8 in the newsletter, or click here for the .pdf version of the newsletter article and survey.

"As long time homeowners near the proposed Doggie Day Care on SE 6th Court, we would like to offer our initial opinion in support of the proposed project. We feel it could be an enhancement to the old Tunnel Tire corner and a nice business to have near our neighborhood. We do have some concerns, which we hope will be considered and addressed by the new owners and perhaps be included as contingencies in the approval of their business to protect the lifestyles and safety of our neighborhood:
1. Parking: Adequate on site parking for customers to pick-up drop off pets as well as any special events they might sponsor.
2. Noise level: Keep the requirement for soundproofing the building.
3. Sanitation: Picking up after pets is a big issue in the neighborhood so a clean outside area (no odor) that is noticeable when passing by.
4. Safety: Extra care to facility so animals could not get out of yard and supervised at all times while being exercised outside.
5. Appearance: Nice landscaping/shade trees would be a plus for the animals as well as the corner of 6th Court/Federal.
If the owners follow through as proposed, and are considerate and willing to listen to neighborhood concerns, we would welcome and support the Doggie Day Care and think it could provide a beneficial business to enhance Rio Vista."
"We gladly welcome a dog facility in Rio Vista. It would be very helpful to those of us with dogs. I strongly support the proposal at the old Tunnel Tire site."
"The former Tunnel Tire site has been an eyesore for years and it is long over due for the corner to be transformed. Anyone who lives in Rio Vista realizes first hand how the neighborhood is saturated with kids. All those kids relates to hundreds of pets! Just take a ride through Rio Vista and you will be convinced. What better place to have a Dog grooming/boarding boutique than in Rio Vista. Also, most of us in Rio Vista personally know the Zwicks and are confident they will insure a first class operation. Finally, we can say goodbye to Tunnel Tire!"
"My wife and I fully support the efforts of the individuals to improve the commercial area along Federal Highway, and introduce businesses that can be supported are reflective of the nature of our neighborhood to the east. In this light, we fully support the efforts to improve and renovate the former Tunnel Tire facility at 626 S. Federal Highway, and open a pet-store/dog care boutique. From what I have read, I believe the business has a very creative value proposition, and will have immediate appeal to residents in Rio Vista and others in the city."
"I'm in favor of the project at the former tire center. The site is currently detrimental to our neighborhood as well the City. Thank you."
"I need a nice place for my dog to stay when we can not travel with her and this sounds great. Please allow this variance to happen and our entire family would appreciate the great change to this neighborhood."
"I support the conversion of that broken down tire store to a use for dog care. The neighborhood has a lot of pets and I know we would benefit from the convenience of a local boarding service. Bravo to all involved."
"Where is the outside play area on the design? Where is the grass and what kind of sound proofing will they do outside? What is the owners experience in running this kind of a business? As much as this could improve the property from its current condition, doesn't anyone want to know if it is viable under the very minimal information we have been given. The last thing we need is a single use facility out of business in our neighborhood. Don't forget. This is a 7 day a week, 24 hour a day business. The dogs will be outside Sunday morning at 7 am. I am in the business and would welcome this kind of business in the area, but there are many questions I have that are not addressed in this article."
"I am all about 'yes' to this! Our neighborhood needs a nice family oriented business and you know we would go on more vacations if Shelby had her own spa and I didn't have to ask my friends to come over to check on her..."
"We should be thankful that one of our own RioVista residents has purchased the property and is willing to invest in making it a very presentable and nice addition to the area. We should also be glad that someone is willing to start a new business during these tough economic times. With certain precautions and building specs I’m sure the worst noise will still come from US1 – not dogs barking. It sounds like a terrific idea!"
"This could only be an improvement on this multiple year eyesore. In this economic climate, a rehab on the site and a good tenant is a big plus for the neighborhood."
"The residents who used to live with-in earshot of a tire service area could not be in for a big change. They bought in this area knowing what kind of business was there, different than the windmill neighbors. We should use this opportunity it to ask for assurances for the best sound protection for these neighbors. Otherwise this seems to be a perfect fit for our neighborhood."
"We are in support of this business which can only benefit residents of Rio Vista and add to the charm of our neighborhood as one that cares about our residents and their pets. It is also extremely important to enhance the curb appeal of the Federal Highway highway section that borders our community."
"I like the idea...and haven't seen anything else proposed that even comes close to 'dressing up' that corner the way this facility would. Go for it!"
"The proposed Doggie Day Care facility should be fine provided they do all of the things listed in the proposal to separate it from the surrounding area."
"No on Doggie Day Care."
"The doggy daycare is a great idea; I don’t have a problem with it."
"Since this proposed facility will have a direct impact only on those residents who live within earshot of the business, it should be only those residents' opinions considered."
"This use sounds like a definite improvement of this particular property. We would welcome a good, clean upstanding business here. This location has been "in flux" for so long, and at times a real eyesore. We think a new, viable business such as the Doggie Daycare would be a welcome addition to the border of our neighborhood."
"It looks upscale and could be a nice addition to our neighborhood. The only consideration is noise. I don’t live close enough for it to bother me, but if my home were next door I would be concerned. It they can definitely make things soundproofed, that would be great. Maybe they can do doggie social events where we can come for a mutt-tini with our pouches in tow…"
"Personally, I would not want to live anywhere near this."
"Doesn't bother me a bit...but, like the windmill, folks who live within a hundred yards or so probably have a different take."