Dog Wellness Club

Hello!

I am writing to express some concern with the proposal for a Dog Wellness Club location proposed for 2026 Blue Circle Drive. The proposal does not mention nor does it seem to take into account that there is a large apartment building directly adjacent to their proposed building - the RiZe at Opus Park Apartments. Their proposed outdoor play area is 135 feet from the apartment complex. If this location is similar to their location in the North Loop of Minneapolis, the fencing will be not be opaque, meaning anyone walking around the apartment will be able to see inside the play area. This apartment building is pet friendly, with dozens of dogs calling it home with their families. The combination of an exposed pet play area and the pet-friendly apartment building will undoubtedly lead to dogs at the apartment barking at dogs at the daycare, creating a conflict that may affect the quality of life of residents in the apartment. Additionally, a six foot tall fence will not be tall enough to block views from balconies on Rize’s upper levels, which will additionally lead to increased barking and potential conflicts. This doesn’t include the barking that will arise from dogs who play within the play area outside, which may set off dogs at the apartment. In a quick examination of local dog daycares, very few are located right next to an apartment building, and none of them have outdoor play areas that can be viewed by dogs at said apartment building. If this project is approved, the outdoor play area should be moved to the other side of the building. If this is impossible, then the fencing should be opaque and increased to a height where dogs who live on the 5th floor of RiZe will not be able to see into the play area. If both of these are not reasonable to the developer, then the project should not move forward. While the site is zoned for industrial, the neighborhood is quickly turning into a high-density residential mixed-use neighborhood where a dog day care is less likely to be contextual.

Thank you for your consideration!