"I have been meeting with Paws Crossed Animal Rescue representatives, who are interested in acquiring the property and using the land as a no kill shelter, " Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said. "The Town Attorney and Town Board are working with Pet’s Alive and Paws Crossed to immediately transfer the property to Paws Crossed when the town takes over the property. We want to immediately transfer the property upon receiving the deed since the town doesn’t want to incur expenses associated with maintaining the shelter," Feiner explained in an email.
On Sept. 15, Pets Alive Westchester closed their facility in Elmsford, due to major structural issues with the building caused by settlement, declining revenue and increasing costs. All animals that remained at the time of closure -- over 60 cats and dogs -- were transferred to the Pets Alive sanctuary in Middletown.
Prior to the closure of the facility, the board and the Town of Greenburgh administration discussed having Pets Alive Westchester turn the property over to the town. This would enable the town to gift it to another animal rescue, given a deed restriction only allowed use of the property for either municipal purposes or as an animal shelter. While Pets Alive initially opposed such a transfer, it has amended its stance and expressed a willingness to breath life into the former shelter.
"The Elmsford Animal shelter is a very special place –with hundreds of volunteers and passionate animal rights advocates," Feiner said. "I believe that the shelter will continue to offer our residents and pets outstanding and caring service."
For more information on the property, click here.