Oliver Terrace is going to the dogs, but they’ll be inside a soundproof building.
TLC Kennels of Trumbull won unanimous approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission at a special meeting Tuesday to begin renovating space in a complex at 40 Oliver Terrace.
“Thank you all very much,” said Antionette “Toni” Coppola-Braca, TLC’s owner, following the decision. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”
“We’ll be open Aug. 31,” she added.
The commission scheduled the special meeting at her request, because she said was under pressure from her landlord to move out. The kennels are at 165 Monroe Turnpike, owned by MMR LLC. She said Tuesday she has to leave the site by Aug. 31.
The commissioners asked about the facility’s cleanliness and how it would prevent odors from animal waste.
Coppola-Braca said the inside of the building would be sealed to prevent liquid leakage into the floor, and solid waste treated with an industrial strength chemical used at sewage treatment plants, and double-bagged.
Although there are no residential neighbors, the sound from the 100-dog and 42-cat facility would be silenced by sound-proofing materials, she added. Cats have “condos” where they can exercise and dogs have inside runs, so that no animals would get outside. Having an operation indoors will also make the facility easier to clean and maintain, Coppola-Braca said.
Coppola-Braca, who said she has trained dogs for security for celebrities including actor George C. Scott and pianist Victor Borge, and worked at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, provides animal grooming and therapeutic massage for elderly and sick dogs.
Her answers seemed to satisfy all the commission members.
“Good luck,” commission chairman Anthony Pogoda said.
