Clark Township Planning Board approves two‑story daycare at 211 Westfield Ave.

The Clark Township Planning Board voted to approve preliminary and final site plans and bulk C variances for a two‑story child care center at 211 Westfield Avenue (Block 77, Lot 10) on July 10, 2025.

The board approved the application by DISHMA Management for a new two‑story daycare facility with a fenced outdoor play area, 37 off‑street parking spaces (including two ADA spaces), four electric vehicle charging stations and a proposed occupancy the applicant’s architect listed as 198 children and about 27 staff. The approval carries conditions including County Planning Board clearance, compliance with professional review letters, environmental follow‑up from a Phase I review, payment of the nonresidential affordable‑housing fee and state licensing before opening.

The project replaces an existing, former funeral home in the downtown village (DTV) district. Applicant counsel Trevor Endler presented the plans; architect Cheryl Schweiker, site engineer Scott Loverich, traffic planner/engineer Brian Intendola and operations manager Carrie DeVoe testified at the hearing.

Schweiker, the project architect, described the building and operations. She said the proposed footprint is about 6,960 square feet with a roughly 3,000‑square‑foot rear playground, stacked first‑ and second‑floor classrooms and barrier‑free circulation including two egress stairs and an elevator. “Currently we're showing an occupancy of 198 children for both floors and approximately 27 staff members,” Schweiker said. She also testified the facility will be…