We, the concerned residents and animal lovers of Hamden, strongly urge the Mayor and Legislative Council to reconsider the proposed plan to build an animal shelter at 490 Main Street, a 12-acre parcel of undeveloped woodlands in the residential neighborhood of Dunbar Hill.  While we understand the importance of providing a safe haven for animals in need, we believe that this particular location is not suitable for such a facility.

1.  Preservation of Residential Character:

The Dunbar Hill neighborhood is primarily composed of families who have chosen this area for its peaceful ambiance and natural surroundings.  Constructing an animal shelter here would disrupt the tranquility and change the character of the entire community.

2.  Environmental Impact:

The proposed site consists of valuable woodlands that serve as a habitat for numerous wildlife species and contribute to maintaining the ecological balance in our region.  These woodlands are the home, and source of food, for countless animals including deer, bears, raccoons, opossum, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, woodchucks, turkeys, chipmunks, squirrels, hawks, pileated woodpeckers, Eastern phoebes, ravens, and many other birds including the return of bald eagles. This site also contains DEEP wetlands as well as being partially in a FEMA flood zone.   Destroying these woodlands by cutting down trees and building an animal shelter, driveway, and parking lot would result in irreversible damage to local flora and fauna.

3.  Noise Pollution:

Animal Shelters can generate significant noise levels due to barking dogs or other animals housed within their premises.  This constant noise disturbance will negatively impact nearby residents' quality of life, causing unnecessary stress and sleep disturbances.  Exposure to chronic noise has documented negative health consequences such as increased rates of hypertension, stroke, and heart attacks (Source: New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/09/health/noise-exposure-health-impacts.html  

4.  Traffic Congestion and Road Safety:

Building an animal shelter in our residential neighborhood will inevitably lead to increased traffic flow, especially during peak adoption hours or when staff members are entering or leaving the premises.  Speeding on Benham Street, Main Street and Dunbar Hill Road is already a serious problem that creates dangerous situations for walkers/cyclists in the area and for other motorists entering onto these roads from side streets and driveways.  The increased traffic from the proposed animal shelter will worsen this problem, further compromising road safety.  Another existing problem, littering by the occupants of vehicles passing through the neighborhood, will also be exacerbated by the additional traffic created by the proposed animal shelter.   

5.  Property Values:

Numerous studies have shown that proximity to certain types of facilities can negatively affect property values in the surrounding areas (source:  American Real Estate Society).  The presence of an animal shelter could potentially decrease property values for the tax-paying homeowners nearby who have invested heavily in their properties.

6.  Alternative Locations Available:

Hamden has several other locations that are better suited for building an animal shelter without encroaching upon residential neighborhoods or destroying natural habitats (source:  Hamden Town Planning Department).  We encourage the Town to explore these alternatives and select a site that is more appropriate for an animal shelter, or to reopen discussions with New Haven or Woodbridge around sharing their existing animal shelters.  

By signing this petition, we express our collective concern and request that you reconsider the proposed plan.  We believe in the importance of providing a safe environment for animals in need but urge you to find an alternative location that respects both their welfare and our residential community.

Together, let's preserve the peacefulness and natural beauty of the Dunbar Hill neighborhood and an important habitat for wildlife in our area.  Let’s find a more appropriate location to care for Hamden’s animals in need of shelter.