Ringer's get first-step in dog daycare approval, more permitting necessary

Harrison business owner Kim Ringer got first-step approval from the township commissioners on Monday in her pursuit to operate a dog day care and boarding service from her Freeport Road retail space.

The commissioners voted 5-0 to rezone the property from B-1 to S-1, allowing pet day care services. Ringer can now apply for a conditional use, which would require another board’s approval.

“I’m disappointed,” said Ringer, owner of Ringer’s Pet Dog Training at 3041 Freeport Road. “I really was under the assumption that last night it would be approved — everything. But there’s always another permit, another fee, another something.”

Ringer purchased the former car dealership in 2015 for the purpose of providing day care and boarding services but said she has been relegated to retail and training operations after being denied several times for township zoning variances.

Township Manager Rich Hill was not available for comment.

Commissioner Jamie Nee said she is looking forward to reviewing Ringer’s conditional use application.

“I’ll look at the pros and cons and make a decision on what’s best for Harrison Township,” Nee said.

About 20 people turned out to a public hearing on Monday where the commissioners heard from many supporters of the proposed day care.

No one spoke against it.

“Ringer’s represents an important and highly regarded business, and we are fortunate to have them located in Harrison Township,” Commissioner Chuck Dizard said.

He believes it’s possible for the commissioners to vote on Ringer’s application as soon as next month.

The proposal was previously reviewed by the township planning commission and referred to the commissioners for approval.

“I was entirely satisfied that the review of the application was thorough, respectful and collaborative,” Dizard said.

For 25 years, Ringer has operated retail, day care and training in Tarentum at a former bank building on East Sixth Avenue at Corbet Street. Business has outgrown that building and she hopes to centralize operations in Harrison, Ringer said.

If her application is approved next month, Ringer said the day care could be up and running within the week.

There is a 120-by-75-foot fenced playground at the rear of the building and a similar area indoors.

The Tarentum space would be kept as a drop-off site.

If the application is denied, Ringer said she doesn’t know what the future of the business will be.

“It’s too much money, it’s too much confusion,” she said. “I’m not sure what will happen if we can’t get this to happen.”