Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Childcare topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves expansion of Modern Schoolhouse daycare near CVS
Summary
The Duarte Planning Commission voted to modify Conditional Use Permit CUP 24-07 to allow Modern Schoolhouse to combine an adjacent former Bank of America tenant space, add a fourth classroom and expand its outdoor play area; the approval included new site and building conditions.
The Duarte City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a modification to Conditional Use Permit CUP 24-07 that lets Modern Schoolhouse combine an adjacent former Bank of America tenant space with its existing childcare facility near the CVS and expand an outdoor play area.
The modification, adopted by resolution 25-05, adds roughly 950 square feet to the indoor floor plan for a fourth classroom, a small staff break room and an additional bathroom, and expands the outdoor play area about 377 square feet westward toward the CVS. Staff said operating days and hours remain as previously approved (Monday through Friday, morning to early evening) and the facility will add two employees.
Planning staff presented the requested change as a modification of a previously approved conditional use permit and recommended the commission adopt resolution 25-05 to include the additional tenant space. “The applicant has requested to combine both tenant spaces into 1 day care facility as well as expand the outdoor play area to accommodate the new classroom,” a planning staff member told the commission.
The commission added conditions to the approval. Staff said the submitted elevations and floor plan must show what will happen with two unused front doors so the building will present one clear entrance; any lighting installed for the former ATM use must be removed and identified on plans; and the site plan must show utility equipment on the north wall with a minimum three-foot clearance for access. The staff presentation noted the ATM-related lighting requirement stems from applicable California financial codes.
During public comment the applicant’s representative described the opportunity to occupy the adjoining space as ideal. “It’s our ideal opportunity for ownership as well as, the Modern Schoolhouse as CVS has been a long term tenant,” the applicant representative said. Trevor Gleason, the landlord’s real estate agent, said Bank of America had stripped the space to a shell and removed security equipment: “They’ve removed everything and brought it back to shell condition.”
A question was raised about security given the space’s former use as a bank; the applicant representative responded, “Not to my knowledge,” when asked whether additional security considerations were required.
After public comment the commission moved, seconded and voted to adopt resolution 25-05, approving the CUP modification. The motion passed and the resolution was approved.
Staff said the project will proceed through plan check and any building or site changes must meet the conditions adopted by the commission before occupancy.
