Hampton Council votes to approve kennel expansion

The Hampton Council discussed a long list of items during its Sept. 22 meeting, but the item that caused the most back-and-forth discussion was the approval of the BelaCoop Animal Hospital’s plan to expand by adding a kennel and exercise area to their W. Hardies Road location.

The building was previously occupied by Soup De Jour.

The approval took place after the public meeting held Sept. 8, which was held to get public input, specifically from the neighbors who will be living within 150 feet of the property line.

Owner Dr. Katti Strahsmeier-Stoller attended both meetings and during the public meeting, addressed concerns that neighbors had regarding noise and odor issues.

A unanimous approval was given to the expansion with the board assuring Strahsmeier-Stoller that if she finds that some of the accommodations promised are too confining, she can come back to the board to request changes be made.

In addition to the kennel approval, the board also gave unanimous approval for the 2022 Budget Development Goals and Objectives, an endorsement of the 2022 Capital Improvement Fund budget and approval to refund the 2021 farmers market vendors for their fees and to offer no fee for vendors who participate in 2022.