The Centralia Planning Commission has unanimously granted a special use permit for two dog-related businesses to utilize the former Kaskaskia College WorkForce Center at 325 South Poplar Street downtown.
The owner and operator of the proposed The Barking Lot and Hair of the Dog, Hanna Shores, told the commission the business would be able to house 54 dogs and provide 24-hour care. There would also be a dog park and a bar where patrons can bring along their dogs. A retail store and grooming are also planned, with the possibility of training being added in the future.
Neighbors asked questions about noise and odor. Centralia Community Development Director Gayla Harting noted the business would be held to the city’s noise ordinance. Shores noted she would be hiring a company that specializes in pet waste management. Harting noted continuing problems in either area could result in the special use permit being revoked.
Shores is in the process of purchasing the building from Kaskaskia College.
In other action, the commission approved a seven-foot by two-foot sign that is two feet off the ground for the BCMW main offices at 909 East Rexford.
