Local animal shelter SAVE asks township to explore use of adjacent state land amid capacity concerns

Representatives from SAVE (a private animal shelter that contracts with multiple municipalities) asked the committee to consider allowing use of adjacent state land should it become available. Heather Achenbach described rising owner surrenders, capacity constraints, and the shelter's municipal contracts: "We serve 11 towns," she said, arguing that additional space could let the organization better serve Montgomery residents and neighboring municipalities.

Reid Chapman and others asked the committee to arrange a tour of the property with Lauren Wasilowski, the township's director of Open Space and Stewardship. SAVE's board president Wendy Rayner invited the committee to visit the facility and said staff would research potential uses consistent with state land restrictions.

Committee members expressed concern about volunteer safety where crossing a county road is required and asked SAVE to follow up with specific requests so staff can approach county and state partners. "Let's follow up," one committee member said, asking SAVE to send a letter detailing needs and desired outcomes so staff can pursue next steps with the county and state agencies.