Developers offer to help build animal shelter

The development company Armada Hoffler is offering to help the city build a new animal shelter.

The company would manage the project and provide other professional services, as well as solicit contributions for contractors to help build it, said Dave Hansen, a deputy city manager.

"The vision is a public-private community partnership," he said.

The animal shelter on Leroy Drive suffered a recent deadly viral outbreak. It's been cited by state inspectors twice in the last year for its general rundown condition.

Hansen said he imagined a scenario in which Armada Hoffler and community groups would each bring in $5 million to help pay for the shelter, which is estimated to cost at least $20 million.

In the company's unsolicited proposal, President and CEO Lou Haddad wrote, "...as animal lovers, concerned citizens and industry leaders, we find ourselves uniquely positioned to assist you in this endeavor... We are excited about partnering in an effort that is somewhat less glamorous, but on many levels even more rewarding."

The City Council will learn more about the idea at their June 23 meeting.