Owners of dog-training facility make case to continue business
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

HOWELL - Testimony is expected to resume on June 9 before the Zoning Board of Adjustment in the case of the Kindred Souls Canine Center, Brown Road.

Representatives of the business made their latest appearance before the board on April 14.

As they seek a use variance, the principals of the business are attempting to show how the business is more of a benefit to Howell than a potential detriment.

Kindred Souls Canine Center, which is a facility that trains dogs, is owned by Peter Campione, June Noto andMaria Yepello. It has operated in Howell for seven years. The business is 15 years old and previously operated in California and Florida.

Due to a change in a municipal ordinance that amended the definition of agricultural uses and removed dogs from being considered livestock, the principals of Kindred Souls are concerned that if they fail to secure a use variance from the zoning board, the facility will eventually be shut down at its present location.

The applicant's professional planner, Christine Cofone, testified before the board. She made a case for the granting of a use variance on the grounds that the establishment has a low intensity use and has no impact on surrounding properties.

"My office has contacted the township's code enforcement department and police department and we found that there has not been one issuance of a noise violation in the six to seven years of their operation.

"There are low density residential uses around the property. (Kindred Souls) helps to make dogs into better citizens. The benefits they provide outweigh any detriment" that might come from this site, Cofone said.

Campione was asked to explain how his business benefits Howell.

"In the time that we have been here, we have done our best to promote a safer, more amenable environment for the community," he said. "Dogs are a part of our social structure. Since we've been here we have uplifted and educated people. From a business standpoint we have come in with a clean record. We've given back to the community and we desire to be exemplary businessmen."

No decision was reached on the application onApril 14 and the matter was continued to the board's June 9 meeting.