Emergency Veterinary Facility Proposed for Former Jos. A. Bank Space in Cos Cob

This week the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed a pre application from Veterinary Emergency Group and Chimblo Real Estate Enterprises.

Veterinary Emergency Group, or VEG for short, is a chain that offers a 24 hour emergency and urgent care, 365 days a year.

The applicant was represented by attorney John Tesei, who said there are times when a sick animal will stay overnight at the facility, but they do not offer kennels for boarding.

Sign at 409 East Putnam Ave in Cos Cob.

According to a video of the business founder, what makes VEG unique is pet owners are allowed to stay with their pet during procedures and even by their cage overnight.

According to the application narrative, “When customers call, they speak directly to a veterinarian who answers questions and advises on next steps. Upon arrival, customers are taken to the treatment area and are seen by a veterinarian right away.”

Technically the applicant to add “Veterinary Hospitals with indoor facilities – no kennels” to Use Group 4, the list of permitted uses, for a potential location at 409 East Putnam Ave, in the former Jos. A. Bank Clothiers space, next to Mathnasium in Cos Cob.

409 East Putnam Ave in Cos Cob, the former home of Jos. A. Bank Clothiers.

Jennifer Hanlon, senior manager of real real estate and development for VEG, said the company is headquartered in Westchester, which is also their flagship hospital location. They have 22 locations throughout the US.

She said the front entrance would be the main entrance and the back entrance would be for employees only. She said 95% of cases are carried in or are walking in on their own. If a pet is not ambulatory, they will be brought in on a gurney.

Noise mitigation would be addressed by enhanced HVAC. The applicant also noted that sick animals do not make much noise and there will be no outside use.

P&Z chair Margarita Alban asked whether animals would be relieved outside, and Ms Hanlon assured they would not.

The applicant said peak hours are 6:00pm to 12:00 midnight.

The commission asked the applicant to follow up by submitting data in writing on volume during peak time, how parking and drop-off would work, and confirm approval from health dept on waste management, etc. Applicant would go to ARC for feedback on signage and lighting.

Mr. Tesei said the Chimblo family sold the property and there is a new owner.

Ms Alban said the application should be updated to include the new owner’s name.

The commission asked that the applicant to consider adding landscaping if possible.

“We’re working on enhancing the Post Road and we’d love to see an enhancement at that site,” Alban said. “That’s a fairly bleak site.”

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