It was a fairly emotionally charged meeting on January 8 when a mother was pleading on behalf of her child for abutters to allow her son to have a dog-breeding kennel – a rather dramatic sight to behold.
Brian and Cheryl Goguen of 181 Braley Hill Road came before the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals with an application to open a dog kennel. Their son Dillon, a student at Bristol County Agricultural High School, is seeking to breed dogs for the balance of his high school career. He plans on pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine and has a keen interest in dog breeding.
Rochester’s bylaws do allow for ten or more dogs to be kept for ‘hobby kennel’ purposes. In spite of the fact that Goguen will be selling the puppies from his hobby, the board, after reading the bylaw carefully, felt he was within his right to request a kennel license.
Several neighbors expressed concern over potential dog barking noise disrupting the peaceful enjoyment of their property. That incited Cheryl Goguen to turn to her neighbors and plead that they give her a son chance asserting, “…this is for him!” versus for herself or her husband.
After some discussion and the promises of father, mother, and son that they will be vigilant in their effort to ensure the dogs do not trouble the neighbors, the board voted to approve a six-month license to “…see how it goes…”as Chairman Richard Cutler explained.
Goguen will keep the puppies indoors, which will minimize noise pollution, and keep adult dogs indoors overnight.
Also coming before the ZBA were Sean and Jennifer Crook of 201 Neck Road with an application for a special permit and variance for the construction of a garage in excess of 1,000 square feet, hot tub, and pool. They presented a certified plot plan and were approved.
The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals will be announced pending hearing appointments.
By Marilou Newell
