Doggy day care is a go, vape shop is a no

The Village of Grafton Plan Commission last week approved a conditional use permit for a dog day care, grooming and boarding facility and denied allowing e-cigarettes and cannabidiol businesses as a conditional use downtown.

Azeem Uddin Mohammed and Mumtaz Begum requested the vape and CBD amendment with plans to open a business at 1220 12th Ave. in the space previously occupied by a gun shop.

Grafton staff recommended denial of the amendment, saying it’s not consistent with the village’s “Quality Life. Naturally.” brand, is not consistent with other businesses in the downtown mixed-use zoning district and “family friendly, safe environment that the village has worked for decades to foster.” Staff also cited the negative short-term health effects of e-cigarettes and said that allowing such a store within a 15-minute walk of Grafton High School would present a public health risk.

Community Development Director Jessica Wolff added that it is difficult to distinguish between legal and illegal CBD products, which could create enforcement issues.

Three residents emailed the village expressing opposition to the business.

Mohammed said products would be from reputable sources and legal age limits for sales would be enforced. He owns similar stores in New Berlin, Milwaukee and South Milwaukee.

During a public hearing, building owner Chris Lukaszewski said she is more concerned with gun and alcohol sales downtown than vape sales.

Commission members Jim Brunnquell, Mark Paschke, Scott Uhen and Carl Harms voiced opposition to the amendment.

Village President Dan Delorit, the commission chairman, voiced support for the business but said given prior denials and feedback he doesn’t support the zoning change.

The Commission denied allowing vape businesses as a conditional use on Aug. 25 as well.

The amendment was denied.

Ashley Lyneis will be allowed to run Charming Paws at 2089 Wisconsin Ave. in a vacant space attached to the Verlo Mattress store.

The business will occupy 5,500 square feet inside the building and 7,000 square feet outside, with separate areas for large and small dogs.

Fourteen boarding rooms will be video monitored at all times.

The business will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and by appointment on Sundays.

Lyneis estimates having a maximum of 35 dogs at a time.

She runs Charming Paws at 1754 Wisconsin Ave. and plans to keep that and the new location open through spring 2026.

The new spot is expected to open by April.

Wolff must approve a fence design and new overhead doors, and deteriorating pavement on the north side of the building must be removed or redone by July 2026.