Hamden, CT, is a town of over 60,000 residents that spans 3 zip codes. Hamden has never had an Animal Shelter. Unfortunately, animal abandonment is on the rise. Should a single pet parent die, or get a life-changing diagnosis, there should be a safe and legal option to rehome a pet in the Town of Hamden.

For an animal shelter to be built in our lifetime the biggest consideration are costs. The most financially responsible way forward is to:

1. Use town property.
2. Use a site without a building that had to be knocked down or refurbished

We, the concerned residents and animal lovers of Hamden, strongly urge the mayor and legislative council to continue with the proposed plan to build an animal shelter at 490 Main St. While we understand that the site must meet certain criteria before plans are drawn,  it is only when blueprints advance will all the facts be known for citizens to make an intelligent decision.

Certain things need to see the light of day before people can make informed choices on this project. Some of the things we would like to know are:

1. How much of the 12 acres would actually be used?
2. Will the building be at the rear of the property to keep noise at a minimum?
3. Will the area at the front of the lot conform to the rural contour of the street?
4. What will the cost be? 

Citizens have donated almost $70,000 for this project. We would like the current development phase to proceed with no cost to the taxpayers.

We understand that once all the facts see the light of day citizens will have two formal chances to voice their opinions, for or against this project. That would be at a public hearing, and again during the Legislative Council's public forum held before any final vote is taken. 

We the undersigned would like to see the development phase continue. Let’s just see the facts first before we decide.