ATLANTIC CITY--Officials with the Humane Society of Atlantic County are breathing a sigh of relief now that their facility is out of danger. It seems like the shelter no longer needs to worry about the possibility of eminent domain leaving them looking for some help of their own.

The Humane Society of Atlantic County is home to all different kinds of creatures, creatures that will be able to continue to call the shelter home, even after a brief scare.

"I was really shocked," said Steven Dash, Executive Director at the Humane Society, "the letter I got on Friday certainly set us back. It wasn't anything that we were really contemplating."
The letter said the 20 acres of land the shelter sits on is in need of redevelopment.

Fearing eminent domain would seize the facility, supporters of the organization packed the city's planning board meeting to object, but soon learned the didn't need to. "It was never our intention to include the Humane Society property in the area," said Planning board director, William Crane. With that, the audience burst into applause.

"I was shocked, absolutely shocked," said Dash just after the announcement, "we're very relieved we're not going to have to relocate the shelter."

While the shelter may be spared from eminent domain, planning board members say they still want the nearly 20 acres around it redeveloped, like getting rid of the abandoned gas station right next-door. Officials say by cleaning up the area, the shelter can operate in a more inviting community. "I was thrilled to hear that the city appreciates what we do here," said Dash.

After operating for 35 years, the shelter is now home to about 100 animals of all shapes and sizes. Dash says most of all, he's relieved for their sake, that the shelter is in the clear. "I feel pretty confident that we're OK now, but I'll be watching."

The redevelopment plan for the Riverside area will be discussed at the next planning board meeting on the 17th. A representative from the Humane Society will be in attendance.