The Peru Gazette

The former Telegraph Street location of the Elmore SPCA

By John T. Ryan 

Although no exact time-frame has been established the Elmore SPCA recently outlined plans to the Town of Peru Zoning and Planning Boards to eventually move its facility back to the former 556 Telegraph Street location. In 2007 the Board determined that the Telegraph St. location could no longer serve the SPCA’s needs and in 2008 the facility was moved to 510 Arthur Rd. in Peru.  Now that a year has passed, the SPCA had to undertake some activity at the vacant Telegraph Street location or it would lose its non-conforming use status according to Peru’s zoning ordinance. SPCA Board member Carol Solari-Rusco said the facility’s garage will be razed this summer and the large hole in the back of the property will be filled in. Discussing the SPCA’s eventual return to Telegraph Street she said, “We will renovate and expand the facility and eventually move back. I don’t know if it will be next year. It’s got to be well thought out and well planned.” Solari-Rusco said, “We’re still in the talking stages. We’ll need to put together a capital fund project and we’ll be trying to form a steering committee.”

The improvements to be included in the renovated facility include expansion of the dog room and dog walking area, improvements to the septic, heating and electrical systems and improved parking. Phase two enhancements will include a cat housing area.