DOWNERS GROVE – A proposed redevelopment of the Downers Grove Animal Clinic into a veterinary clinic and animal boarding facility has some residents excited, while others are worried about the impact on the area.

Both sides voiced their opinions during the Nov. 3 Downers Grove Village Council meeting, when the council heard a first reading of the proposal.

The developers, Kremer Veterinary Services and RWE Management, are seeking a special use permit from the village of Downers Grove to allow the boarding facility, which is located at the southeast corner of 63rd and Main streets.

The current clinic is run by Dr. Rand Gustafson and owned by J.D. Jobe of Darien. Dr. Tony Kremer of Kremer Veterinary Services owns five veterinary and boarding facilities in Illinois and Ohio. Gustafson would still run the veterenary services in the new facility.

The plan is for a two-story, 10,300 square-foot facility that includes: full-service veterinary care, pet grooming stations, pet boarding suites, indoor and outdoor play areas, obedience training rooms and adoption service rooms. The facility could hold as many as 60 animals.

Developers cited the delapidated condition of the building and the financially struggling practice as the reasons the redevelopment is needed.

"It's very obvious for this hospital to succeed, it needs to add services," Kremer said. "The income from taking care of pets on a veterinary basis does not pay the bills."

Several residents said the new facility would be a welcome addition to the area because of the needed service it would provide and the improved look of the property.

"I welcome the opportunity to go to place to board my dogs where there is veterinary service available," said Downers Grove Township resident Susan Callahan.

However, several neighbors who live to the south of the property on Meadowlawn Avenue said they did not think an animal boarding facility should be located next to a residential area.

The residents said they were afraid the sound of barking dogs and the smell from the facility would be bothersome and have a negative effect on their property values.

An architect for the project detailed several design features meant to mitigate the noise, such as sound-dampening walls, landscaping and placing the play area so the sound goes towards the nearby commercial properties.

Kremer said he has built similar facilities near residential areas and has not received any noise complaints.

Other residents questioned Kremer's reputation and quality of service, but Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully said the council is only deciding on whether an animal boarding facility should be permitted in the area.

The council had little to say about the issue during the meeting.

Commissioner Gina Vattimo said she lives in a neighborhood near the proposed facility.

"I think it will add to the community, but I can understand concerns about noise," she said.