Hanover animal shelter takes on data center developer
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Hanover's latest development fight has an unlikely opponent: a shelter full of rescue dogs.
Why it matters: The Humane Society says construction of a neighboring data center is already frightening its animals. Now it fears two proposed warehouses could bring even more noise and truck traffic to its doorstep.
Driving the news: Dozens of residents confronted developer Oppidan at a heated community meeting Thursday, demanding stronger protections for the shelter's dogs, reports WWBT.
- Oppidan — which is developing the already approved data center and the separate warehouse projects that straddle the Hanover-Ashland border — offered a 6-foot fence and buffers.
- Shelter leaders say that's not enough. They want the proposed truck route moved away from the dog walking trail or a professionally designed sound barrier installed.
- The developer agreed to discuss alternatives with the Humane Society, but a meeting date hadn't been set as of Friday, the shelter's operations director Andrew Paine tells Axios.
Meanwhile: Paine says nearby data center construction has disrupted the shelter's dog walks, with some rescue dogs too scared by the noise to cross bridges to alternative trails.
Oppidan didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Between the lines: The warehouses still need approval from Hanover and Ashland, but hearing dates haven't been scheduled.
The intrigue: Hanover planners have already urged Oppidan to shrink the warehouse within its jurisdiction, add noise protections for nearby homes and reconsider its traffic projections, per a Sept. 3 letter obtained by Axios.
- The developer's July traffic study obtained by Axios projects 670 vehicle trips each weekday from the warehouses.
- But Ashland planning director Mike Craig tells Axios no noise study has been submitted.
What we're watching: Oppidan is considering revisions to its plans after Thursday's pushback, both Craig and Hanover planning director Jo Ann Hunter tell Axios.
- The town is awaiting potential changes before finalizing its review, Craig says.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from the Hanover Humane Society