Community Corner
Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center Hoping to Relocate to Greenfield
The center's lease at Southridge Mall was not renewed.
A popular animal rescue center is hoping to relocate to Greenfield.
The will have its request for a special use permit heard by the city’s Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The center, which has operated in the upper level of Southridge Mall since 2006 and has saved more than 4,000 animals since then, hopes to move into the vacant building at 5101 W. Loomis Rd., formerly Custom Design Associates.
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MARC officials were told in September that its because it does not fit with the mall’s business plan. A MARC-prepared overview of its operation for the plan commission said the center has outgrown the space available at the mall.
MARC executive director Amy Rowell told Greendale Patch in September she hoped the center would relocate in the vicinity.
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The center assists humane societies and animal control agencies facing possible euthanasia decisions by accepting in those animals for care and possible placement or adoption, according to the plan commission meeting notes.
Adoption-ready cats would be housed at the Loomis location, but injured, ill or young cats and dogs are housed in foster care. Adoption-ready dogs would be viewed at the center by appointment.
MARC does not euthanize animals, does not deal with farm, wild or exotic animals and does not process stray animals or accept owner-surrendered animals.
The plan for the Greenfield center includes renovating a garage and creating a memorial garden. Internally, the building will contain two cat galleries, a multi-purpose room, offices, isolation rooms, storage areas and a laundry facility.
The garage would be converted into a community clubhouse that will hold group meetings, education seminars and weekend dog adoptions, according to the planning commission notes.
An existing fenced-in area around the garage would be used as a play area for visiting dogs, according to the proposal.
MARC, which is entirely funded by private donations, grants and fundraising efforts, has a current annual budget of $120,000 but has developed a $350,000 property acquisition and expansion plan.
The proposal would be subject to a public hearing that could take place in mid-December or early January should the planning commission recommend to the Common Council to approve a special use permit.
MARC hopes to relocate by next spring.
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