Veterinary hospital and hotel seeks zoning OK in North White Plains; board schedules public hearing

The Town Board received an application from a veterinary operator seeking a zoning-text amendment to permit a veterinary hospital and related services in the CB district (North White Plains). Dr. Philip Putter, who identified himself during the meeting, explained his model — a full-service veterinary hospital with surgery, hospitalization, boarding, grooming and day care — and described existing facilities in Stamford and Westport.

Dr. Putter said the model requires substantial indoor space but that the applicant could operate without an outdoor play area if necessary: "It's not a game changer," he said responding to a question about outdoor space and noise mitigation. He also described operational details from other sites: he said an 18,000-square-foot facility in Stamford handles about 60 day-care animals and up to about 70 boarded animals at peak; Stamford currently has 26 parking spots dedicated to clients. Board members asked about capacity, traffic, noise, residential impacts in the North White Plains corridor and whether making veterinary uses permitted in CB might enable similar uses in other business districts (Armonk, Banksville). Several members emphasized this was receipt and process rather than a decision: public hearings and EAF/traffic review will follow.

The board received the application, the planning-department staff report and other submission materials, accepted the project's project narrative and directed that an environmental assessment form (EAF) and traffic review be part of the next steps. The matter will return to the board after staff and the planning board review and after a formal public hearing.