Future of new Bellaire dog pound remains unclear as city staff fetches further data requested by council members
Published: Thu, 01/26/23
Future of new Bellaire dog pound remains unclear as city staff fetches further data requested by council members
One proposal for the new dog pound includes a 12-food-by-50-foot modular structure, which is a personalized structure that is typically constructed in a factory setting before being transported to a site for assembly. This design includes eight dog kennels, a dog wash area, an office and a multipurpose room.
(Courtesy city of Bellaire agenda packet)
Community Impact
By Melissa Enaje
The initial idea to replace and relocate the city’s dog pound came more than a year ago when council members first asked their police department for suggestions back in November 2021. At the January 2023 meeting, Chief of Police Onesimo Lopez Jr. presented two options: one on an undeveloped property owned by the city at 1311 N. 1st St., Bellaire, which Chief Lopez mentioned was a seven-minute drive from the Bellaire Police Station. The potential site would be situated in an industrial center and would cost at least an estimated $300,000, not including costs associated with compliance or zoning requirements.
The second option was for a site located at an undeveloped property owned by Texas Pipe & Supply, also in an industrial area outside of city limits, roughly 11 minutes away from the police station, at 2328 W. Bellfort, Houston. In terms of costs, this option would include a $100,000 donation from the Jerry and Maury Rubenstein Foundation, leaving about $35,000 responsible from the city.
A lengthy discussion on both the pros and cons between both options transpired between Mayor Andrew Friedberg and fellow council members.
“The tail’s wagging the dog here. I don't want to change zoning to fit a dog pound,” Mayor Andrew Friedberg said.
The Bellaire Police Department has operated the city’s dog pound facility at 4300 Edith St. for nearly 50 years. The facility can house up to five dogs in separate fenced enclosures and, according to the city, averages at least three dogs a day.
The following are pros and cons mentioned during the meeting:
First Street Option
Pros: city of Bellaire owns the land which could help with decision-making associated with the property; closer proximity to police station, value in keeping police and dog pound volunteers close to the city.
Cons: zoning conflicts; neighboring business complaints of dog barking; estimated cost of $300,000 versus $35,000 for West Bellfort option; with it being city property, more time would be needed for approval of variances and proposals associated with the new building.
West Bellfort Option
Pros: $100,000 Rubenstein Foundation donation; turnkey project; 24-hour security because it would exist on Texas Pipe & Supply land
Cons: safety precautions; inconvenience due to extra travel time and resources needed for police officers and dog pound volunteers to travel outside city limits, less control of site.
Mayor Friedberg acknowledged the time passed for council members to reach a decision.
“Members of the public are saying, 'Well, you know why are we still not making a decision?' Yes, we acknowledge it has taken us some time as I tried to state earlier, though, at least speaking for myself. It’s more important, we get it right then [and] try to just pick from one option.”
Community Impact also reached out to the volunteer group Friends of the Bellaire Pound for comment.