By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The town has several businesses catering to the crowd that loves their pets, and it might soon get another.

Kind Pet LLC has filed an application to renovate and occupy the old Men’s Wearhouse at 950 Post Road East.

“On behalf of Kind Pet LLC, the contract purchaser of the above referenced property, we are writing to notify you that we have submitted an application to establish an animal clinic and associated pet retail store in the existing building,” Richard Redniss of Redniss and Mead wrote to neighbors.

“… This project will only involve interior renovations and improvements necessary for the operation of a first-class, high quality pet retail and veterinary care resource for cats and dogs,” he continued. “There will be no pet daycare or non-medical pet boarding services. No outdoor pet areas or other exterior changes are proposed.”

The last proposed use for the property was a golf entertainment center. That had neighbors concerned about spillover parking on Colonial Road, and other issues. That application was withdrawn a week before it was to be heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Applicants foe the golf center are now seeking to use 1608, 1610, 1620 and 1622 Post Road East.

The latest applicant at 950 discussed parking in a “statement of use” filed with the Planning and Zoning Department.

“The proposed veterinary clinic will be the only use occupying the Property and will require no more than 10 employees on any given day. Employees work a full 8-hour shift each day, and typically arrive through a combination of public transportation and private car,” it states.

“Employees will be required to park in the parking garage in order to ensure that the surface parking spaces located directly in front of the building remain available for veterinary and retail clients,” it continued. “With respect to parking demand generated by veterinary services, Kind Pet anticipates no more than 4-6 client visits each hour. Therefore, a conservative estimate of the combined parking demand for veterinary employees and clients is approximately 16 spaces per hour. The proposed parking standard, which requires 31 spaces is total, is more than sufficient to meet Kind Pet’s needs with respect to scheduled veterinary services and any drop-in visits by retail customers or veterinary clients.”

The applicant will need special permit/site plan approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The proposal is on the agenda for its next meeting, which is online at 7 p.m. Monday, July 10.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 35 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.