A proposal to create an operational headquarters for the non-profit Warrior Canine Connection in Boyds will be reviewed by the Montgomery County Planning Board. The plan proposes to convert an existing barn and kennel facility at 14934 Schaeffer Road into a headquarters with office space for the organization. All 17 acres of the property, which are located within Seneca Creek State Park, are owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. That means that the plan will be review under the mandatory referral process. In plain English, that means that the Board may comment, advise and recommend changes to the proposal, but has no legal authority to force the DNR to alter the plan, or to deny approval of the plan.
Warrior Canine Connection plans to use the modified building to expand its program and the number of physically and mentally-injured veterans it can assist. Through the organization, veterans train service dogs for other veterans. The new headquarters facility will have additional space for the breeding, training and care of the dogs housed by the non-profit for the program.
Because the property is on a rustic road, no modifications are required to the front entrance of the site. The entrance driveway will be fully-paved, a new well and septic tanks will be installed, new pathways will be paved, an ADA-compliant parking area will be created, an above-ground fire suppression tank will be erected, a paved area for dumpsters will be poured, and power lines will be undergrounded. No new outdoor lighting is being sought by the applicant. There will be one employee on-site 24 hours a day in case of any emergency related to the property or to the animals.
The Board will review the proposal at its January 19, 2023 meeting, where the public may testify. Planning staff are recommending approval of the application.
Rendering courtesy Montgomery County Planning Department
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