In a recent government meeting, the board reviewed a proposal for the conversion of a building into a daycare facility by Kindercare Education LLC. The applicants, represented by Greg Alvarez of Amado Law Group, addressed previous concerns raised by the board regarding the site plan and compliance with local regulations.

Key points of discussion included the required setbacks for outdoor play areas. The proposed play area was initially planned to be located within 23.6 feet of the street line, which does not meet the required 40 feet. However, the applicants have since amended their proposal to increase the setback to 33.1 feet, effectively reducing the variance request by half.

The board also noted that the outdoor play areas would not be located within 30 feet of any side property line, with the current plan providing 17.1 feet. Additionally, the applicants acknowledged that adequate screening, buffering, and fencing along property lines had not been provided, which remains a point of concern.

To address these issues, the applicants presented a revised site plan that includes a reduction in the size of the outdoor play areas and the addition of protective measures. Notably, the front outdoor area has been reduced from 4,585 square feet to 3,144 square feet, allowing for a greater distance from the property line and roadway.

Brian Denk from Stonefield Engineering detailed enhancements to safety measures, including the installation of two rows of boulders along the property line to create a layered protective system against errant vehicles. The proposed fencing along Halleck Road will also be upgraded to a more robust version capable of withstanding impacts from heavier vehicles.

The board expressed appreciation for the changes made and emphasized the importance of aesthetic considerations, particularly regarding the visual impact of the boulders. The applicants assured the board that landscaping would be incorporated to soften the appearance of the protective measures.

Ultimately, the board voted to withdraw the requests for minimum landscaping and natural area relief, while amending the setback request to reflect the new proposal. The motion was carried unanimously, and the board indicated that a decision on the application would be forthcoming.