New plan to replace Hi-Tor shelter takes shape; see details, how much it would cost
HAVERSTRAW - The leading option to house Rockland's new countywide animal shelter would cost far less than the projected $18 million price to build a new facility, officials said.
Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips said a newly built warehouse on Beach Road could cost up to $5 million to purchase and can be renovated to accommodate stray cats, dogs, rabbits, and other animals. He said the five towns could either buy the 15,000-square-foot building, rent the site or reach a lease-purchase agreement. Completion of the project would stretch into 2023.
The scrapped county plan called for building a facility near the Hi-Tor Animal Center site across from the Rockland Fire Training Center off Route 45 in Ramapo. The supervisors and some county legislators balked at the county-led project when the projected price jumped from $8 million to $18 million due to rising costs for construction and other economic factors.
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"We can do something for less money than $18 to $20 million," Phillips said. "We have an existing building that can be retrofitted. The owner is interested in $4 to $5 million."
Phillips said the town supervisors will continue working on the details. He said they also will work with County Executive Ed Day and the Hi-Tor Animal Center board to continue operating the run-down facility until a deal is finalized on a new site.
A property in Ramapo's isolated Torne Valley also has been considered.
Hi-Tor's contract expires Dec. 31. The towns are legally responsible for taking care of stray animals but the county had agreed years ago to provide the land and financing. The nonprofit Hi-Tor shelter’s core operational funding comes from towns.
After years of starts and stops, Day announced earlier this month the supervisors will take over providing an animal shelter, after Rockland Legislators balked at approving an additional $10 million in borrowing to cover the increased costs of the previous plan.
Supervisors looking for operator
The supervisors are steadfast in changing the management of Hi-Tor, replacing the all-volunteer board after years of financial issues and concerns about the treatment of the animals.
Phillips said the supervisors' plan still includes the Rockland Green operating a shelter with the Hudson Valley Humane Society, which houses strays at its Haverstraw facility. Rockland Green oversees countywide waste disposal and recycling. The agency's board includes the five town supervisors, county legislators, and the County Executive's Office.
Before the supervisors can sign a deal for the warehouse, they need two appraisals of the property's value. The warehouse is near several industrial facilities, including the Joint Regional Sewerage’s water treatment plant.
Officials said local residential complaints about the fireworks emanating from the Ramapo baseball stadium and the impact on the animals played a role in moving the shelter's site. Phillips said the smokehouse at the Fire Training Center also became a factor.
"Our main concern is for the lives of the animals," Phillips said. "They are stranded and are living in horrible conditions due to human neglect. We want a cost-effective shelter."
Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com. Twitter: @lohudlegal.
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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Hi-Tor animal shelter replacement: Haverstraw site proposed
