Animal Control eyes new location in Dixon
Plan commission to evaluate 3 properties, including site for pound and offices
DIXON – Lee County Animal Control may have found a new location.
The consolidation of the dog pound and offices into a vacant car sales lot at 928 E. River Road is one of three special-use requests put on file with the City Council to be reviewed Nov. 29 by the Dixon Plan Commission.
In May, Lee County officials withdrew their proposal to locate an animal control facility at 1213 River Road.
The Plan Commission rejected that site because it was in a residential area, and neighbors who attended those hearings voiced concerns about noise and stench.
“We’re hopeful with the new location,” said Teri Zinke, Animal Control’s office manager. “It’s not really anywhere near residential. We hope that’s a big plus, and we can eventually move and save the taxpayers money by bringing together the pound and offices.”
The Animal Control office now is on the third floor of the Old Lee County Courthouse, 5 miles away from River Ridge Animal Hospital on Route 2 west of town where animals are impounded. The animal hospital increased its basic rates from $1,600 to $1,900 a month, and other fees also increased.
In another request, Kreider Services is asking the Plan Commission to allow a special use for recycling of electronic, traditional cardboard, plastic and food scrap materials at 629 Palmyra Road, new site of Kreider’s Secure Recycling Services.
While this property is beyond the city’s limits, the plan commission is required to review zoning changes within a 1 1/2-mile radius of city limits.
The recycling center opened in October at the former Marshall Salon Services complex. The land was given to Kreider at the end of June with the aim of expanding its recycling program, after the Dixon School District passed on the donation.
Lastly, Connie Spencer is requesting a special use to install a kettlebell exercise center at Dixon Health Center senior housing, 141 North Court St. Spencer said the building would give her additional space for her customers. Kettlebell is an exercise program using cast-iron weights.
The building is zoned residential, meaning a special-use permit is needed to operate a private recreation business.
To attend
The Dixon Plan Commission meets at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 121 W. Second St.
