Daycare operator asks board for secondary emergency access through Rockwell Elementary property

Representatives for a proposed daycare near Rockwell Elementary School asked the board Tuesday for a secondary ingress and egress easement across a portion of school property to provide emergency access.

"We are asking for an ingress egress easement that would provide a secondary access to the daycare facility," said Ursula Godwin of Sawgrass Consulting, who represented AIM Academy and Malbus Plantation. "The primary reason for this is just to have a secondary emergency access for emergency vehicle should, you know, an ambulance, fire truck, whatever need to get in there."

Godwin told the board AIM Academy's primary access will remain off the public right-of-way on Rockwell School Drive and said the proposed access point along the section of Rockwell School Drive on school property would not be used for routine entry and exit during school hours. She said she had discussed the plan with a school representative and that he "seems to be in agreement with allowing that."

The presentation was introductory; the board did not take formal action on the easement request during the meeting. Board members asked for clarification and staff indicated they would continue to review the proposal and answer questions at a later agenda or staff meeting.

Why it matters: a secondary emergency access could allow faster response for ambulances or fire apparatus to a daycare adjacent to a school; the request raises property- and safety-related considerations the board must review before granting an easement.

No vote or formal agreement was recorded at the meeting.