Plans for dog day care, bar in Cornelius concern some neighbors

CORNELIUS, N.C. — A couple wants to open a dog day care and dog bar in Cornelius.

On Monday night, the town board could vote on a conditional use permit so they can move forward. But some neighbors have concerns.

Kelly Waugh and her husband want to give a closed down bar on Statesville Road a new life for people and their dogs. She said that from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., they would watch dogs on one side. On the other side, and until midnight, it would be a bar where you could bring your dog.

Neal Jackson, owner of Mattress Express, said he loves dogs and has two. But he said he is concerned about how barking will affect the serene feel inside his mattress store.

"My concern is the noise," Jackson said.

He wants the town to put some rules in place to control the noise.

"If they can make some kind of accommodation or say, ‘We'll approve it under certain circumstances,’" Jackson said.

And he said he’s not the only one. Jackson said he and a representative from the Hampton Inn will be at Monday's meeting.

Waugh said she and her husband are willing to work with their neighbors in creating some rules.

"No more than 10 outside at a time," Waugh said.

She said they plan to fence in the property and set hours so dogs are not outside too late. Waugh said they've had almost 300 people sign a petition in support of their bar.

"We're just looking to compromise and help business, not hurt them," she said.

Waugh said if their permit is approved Monday, they will sign the lease on the building Tuesday and start outfitting. If it is not approved, they will have to look for a new location.

Eyewitness News was also told that the board could decide to delay the vote. Waugh said that would hurt their timeline, because they want to be open by June 15.

For more information, visit luckydoglkn.com.

WSOC