Public pledges needed to purchase Safe Haven
Brandywine Valley SPCA is seeking pledges of support to help purchase the former Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in Georgetown at auction Saturday, June 9.
At a May 21 town hall in Lewes, CEO Adam Lamb said the organization has already received a $200,000 matching grant from the Wilmington-based Longwood Foundation. Money upfront will be important, as $25,000 is required to bid with 10 percent down payment and closing within 45 days. Lamb said three or four other parties are interested in the 13-acre parcel, now owned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which funded the original construction of the building and took over the property after Safe Haven declared bankruptcy in January 2014. Lamb did not name the other expected bidders but said one is a dog-boarding facility, one is another shelter and a third is an unknown party.
Brandywine Valley SPCA plans to turn the former Safe Haven building into a specialized rescue and rehabilitation facility serving animals at risk of euthanasia, pets that struggle to be adoptable, newborns and animals that are too young or difficult to place, and animals that have been abused or neglected. Lamb said the facility would house up to 400 animals, and additional land is available for possible expansion of the 11,500-square foot building.
Lamb said $500,000 in improvements are planned, $250,000 for new drywall, painting and drainage improvements, and another $250,000 for new cages, furniture and equipment. He said Brandywine could have the facility up and running within 30 to 60 days of closing on the building. Lamb said the facility would not be open to the public, as adoptions would take place at Brandywine Valley’s Georgetown shelter off Route 113.
Although Lamb could not say how much the property might cost, he said pledges are being accepted from individuals, businesses and local organizations. In addition, Lamb said, if Brandywine purchases the facility, the organization plans to sell naming rights to various rooms.
The 15 to 20 people who attended the town hall were receptive to the plans. Lamb said while Brandywine Valley has talked with former board members of Safe Haven as part of their due diligence for the building, there are no plans to involve anyone associated with Safe Haven in the operation of the facility.
When asked what happens if the purchase is not successful, Lamb said pledges would not be spent. In his opinion, he said, Brandywine Valley has the best chances unless there is a surprise bidder.
The auction will be held at 11 a.m., at the Safe Haven property, 19022 Shingle Point Road in Georgetown.
