By J. Michael Whalen
Times Staff
12/24/09
Good things come in small packages. That’s the message the Milton Animal League brought before Selectmen on Dec. 16 at the board’s final meeting before Christmas. The board unanimously voted to support the league’s revised plan for a new animal shelter, which is 3,000 square feet smaller than the plan it presented to the board about a year ago. Both were designed by architect Stephen Jensen, of Blue Sky Collaborative Architecture in Beverly. The facility would be located at the Department of Public Works yard and would replace the current shelter on Governor Stoughton Lane, which has been in operation for about 30 years. Nancy Bersani, league president, said the shelter’s design is similar to the original, 8,000-square-foot plan but would have smaller rooms and “keep it nice and cozy for the animals.” It would house the same number of animals as the current building, she noted. “I just think this is much more realistic overall,” she said. “I’m much more comfortable with this.” Bersani, who was joined at the meeting by league Vice President Linda Palmer, added that some of the shelter’s new offerings would include a surgery room, spay-and-neuter clinics, educational classes and an emergency space where residents could bring their pets in the event of a flood or other disaster. Space at the facility might even occasionally be rented out, she said.
The project will be privately funded. Bersani said between $350,000 and $400,000 has been raised over a three-year period through donations and fund-raisers toward the goal of between $1.8 million and $2.4 million. The next step will be to approach corporate donors and apply for state and federal grants.
“It’s a lofty goal, but obviously it’s for a good cause,” said Selectman Kathy Fagan.
Items such as calendars, T-shirts, sweatshirts and note cards are offered through the league’s Web site, www.miltonanimalleague.org. Bersani said the league also plans to raise funds through the sale of engraved bricks that will be used to create outdoor walkways at the shelter, as well as children-designed tiles for the building’s interior.
Those who want to support the project can also send checks payable to the Milton Animal League to 181 Gov. Stoughton Lane, Milton, MA 02186.
Board members said they were impressed by the proposal.
“This looks like a great plan,” said Selectman Marion McEttrick.
Fagan added, “This is a long time coming. It would be wonderful.”