The Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine plans to considerably expand its animal care facilities.
On Tuesday, March 8, the Walpole Board of Selectman agreed to consider zoning changes in an upcoming town meeting that would allow the Vet School to expand its operations by adding a new facility onto its Grafton, Mass. campus.
The board voted unanimously to discuss the proposed expansion, which would allow the Vet School to move from its current 2,000 square-foot emergency care facility to a 14,000 square-foot building.
If approved, the expansion would cost the University approximately $3 million and could take place in the early summer, depending on the outcome of a May 2 town meeting.
The old facility, which increased by 900 square feet last year, provides emergency care for the Walpole community and training for Vet School students.
Walpole's Economic Development and Grants Officer Michael McCue said the new facility would be a general animal hospital that would employ up to 40 full-time and some part-time employees.
The lot the Vet School intends to use for the expansion project is currently owned by Ryan Construction and zoned as 'Industrial.' To proceed with the expansion, the lot would need to be re-zoned under a special permit as 'Animal Clinic or Animal Hospital.'
McCue said that the construction plans need approval by the Planning Board as well.
McCue has been working with Vet School Associate Dean Joseph McManus on the proposed expansion. McManus could not be reached for comment, but Vet School Assistant Director of Public Relations Barbara Donato said that the details on the matter were not complete at this time.
The Vet School is one of only three located in the Northeast.
Junior Carrie Holmgren, a pre-veterinary student who plans to attend the Vet School, said she believes the expansion is important for the community and the students.
"The facility is one of the main places where Tufts Vet students get their experience in emergency care, and they do so by taking in cases from the community, so it seems like everyone would benefit from expanding or improving it," she said.
Junior Dennis Snopkowski, a fellow pre-veterinary student, also expressed enthusiasm for the proposed plan because it has the potential to further the Vet School's reputation.
"Although [expansion] may not be necessary, anything to further the resources of the school is a step forward," Snopkowski said.
