Residents Show Opposition to Relocating Dog Pound, Support Senior Center Renovations

Multiple public hearings were held on Monday night, giving residents the opportunity to voice their opinions of the town's budgetary needs and proposed renovations to the Senior Center among other ordinances.

Residents took full advantage of the opportunity to be heard during the public hearing for budget requests.

Nine residents, members of "The Friends of the Windsor Pound," voiced their concerns with a proposal to cut Windsor's dog pound space down from ten runs to five, and subcontract space in the Windsor Locks pound.

Diane Logan, a resident who has rescued multiple animals from Windsor's pound, expressed her disapproval of the proposal on the grounds that Windsor residents would be less likely to adopt rescued animals because of they will not be able to visit the animals as easily. Logan continued saying that the additional animals in the Windsor Locks pound would be less likely to be adopted and would then be euthanized.

Stacy Samson argued against the proposal's claim that renting space in Windsor Locks' pound would save the town money, requesting to see the figures in print. She also said that the Windsor pound often has more than five dogs in the runs and she enjoys taking her son to the pound in the warmer months to visit the dogs.

"The Friends of the Windsor Pound" requested a special meeting, granted by the Town Council, to discuss possible options.

Residents also expressed a disapproval of reports that the town may sell the Mechanic Street space that houses the dog pound.

Windsor residents also turned out to show their support, mainly for proposed renovations to the Senior Center.

Bernie Simmons said that L.P. Wilson has not been renovated since his daughter went to school there. "We badly need the improvements," he said.

According to Simmons, the main improvements needed are the replacement of doors and windows, which allow drafts into the room, making it uncomfortable for seniors inside.

Later in the meeting, Council members approved the appropriation of over $300,000 to renovate the Senior Center, including the installment of automatic doors, which would not only make it easier for seniors to access the center, but they would also decrease the amount of cold drafts blown into the facility.