Plan for dog facility on Brighton Ave. withdrawn

By Ryan Gueningsman
Managing Editor

The owners of land located on Brighton Avenue in Franklin Township have withdrawn their request for a conditional use permit to construct and operate a dog kennel/boarding facility.

Damon and Cynthia Kocina appeared at a special meeting of the Franklin Township Board June 12 at the site on Brighton Avenue to request a conditional use permit for the plan.

The Kocinas own 40 acres of land south of Highway 12, and had proposed plans for a boarding facility for a maximum of 50 dogs, grooming services, training facilities, retail space, a dormitory with four bedrooms, and a future 45,000 square foot event center, according to Wright County Planning and Zoning.

They were scheduled to appear at a planning and zoning meeting June 28 in Buffalo, but filed a request that the petition be dismissed June 25.

At the township meeting June 12, the Kocinas were met with opposition of their plan by neighboring residents. At that time, Franklin Township Chairman Bill McMullen summarized resident concerns such as noise, peace and tranquility, traffic, vehicles from events, number of events, odors, property devaluations, and a large building on the property.

The township board denied the request, but the county planning and zoning still could have given the go-ahead on the project at last week’s meeting if desired.