A pet crematorium plan for an agricultural-residential zone was turned down by the Montezuma planning board on Thursday.

Kevin Truex had requested a variance to establish a pet crematorium business near his home so that his wife could work at the business while he was away at other employment.

A public hearing was held at the Montezuma Fire House. Concerns raised by the board included the proximity of the business to neighbors, especially as it relates to smoke and odor from the operation of the crematorium, alternative commercial locations, and cost.

The plan indicated that the business would be about one acre from neighbors. Truex said commercial property was too expensive. The cost of establishing the business would be about $44,000.

James Carberry, of Fosterville Road, a neighbor, was opposed to establishing the crematorium in an agricultural-residential zone. He cited information from the Department of Environmental Conservation and said he feared that his family would not be able to spend time outside with such a business operating nearby.

For more, read Monday's Citizen