Brooklyn's ongoing mission to improve the lives of its furry residents took a notable step forward with the commencement of construction on a new $48 million Animal Care Centers shelter on Linden Boulevard in East New York, set to open next fall. The city officials have declared that the 23,900-square-foot space will provide a much-needed upgrade from the previous facility, which was demolished last year. According to Brooklyn Paper, the design plans reveal a second-floor dog run, a medical suite, and areas dedicated to training.
With pet homelessness and shelter overcrowding being pressing issues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new shelter aims not only to house animals but also to attract potential pet owners with its state-of-the-art features and community-friendly design. "With this state-of-the-art facility joining the newly built Pet Adoption Center in Manhattan, and our full-service care centers in Queens, Staten Island, and later this year in the Bronx, we are transforming the landscape of animal welfare in New York City," Risa Weinstock, president and CEO of ACC, told Brooklyn Paper.
In addition to providing shelter, the new center will act as a resource hub where New Yorkers can access volunteer opportunities, adopt pets, and find support for pet care. Animal shelters in the city have been under strain after the pandemic, with higher intake numbers and persistent overcrowding issues. This new facility is part of a broader city initiative, with a full-service animal shelter opened in Staten Island in 2022 and another in Queens last year, as reported by Gothamist.
Navigating the rise in animal surrenders due to the escalating costs of pet care, the city aims to ensure that pets and their owners get the support they need. "Our pets are our most loyal friends, bringing warmth and happiness into our lives," said Michelle Morse, acting commissioner of the city’s Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, according to Brooklyn Paper. They plan on enhancing the facility's sustainability with high-efficiency lighting, HVAC systems, and a backup generator that will have the ability to power the entire facility during outages.
The new shelter will also feature aesthetics designed to integrate with the community and inspire adoptions. The inclusion of "Colorful Companions," a mural by local artist Olalekan Jeyifous, is intended to "liven up the Center and be easily visible to passing pedestrians and drivers, in an effort to draw people in," the Department of Design and Construction revealed via Brooklyn Paper. Accommodations like a modern parking lot, complete with EV chargers, benches, and bike racks, also cater to the convenience and sustainability objectives of the project.
