Euclid council delays decision on Puzzle Piece Providers daycare permit after questions about occupancy and operations

Euclid City Council on Jan. 6 postponed consideration of a conditional-use permit for Puzzle Piece Providers LLC, a proposed daycare at 27801 Euclid Ave, until Monday, Feb. 3, after council members raised questions about whether the tenant was operating without required approvals and about the suitability of the space.

The item — read into the record as Resolution 1406-24 and described as a request for a conditional-use permit under the codified ordinances — drew early procedural questions because the tenant, Kiara Williams, was unable to attend the meeting for medical reasons. A representative for the landlord, Alex Krokos, told council he had been told by a city official that the site could operate with a certificate of occupancy for “5 children or less” while other approvals were pending. “When we first started this process, we reached out to, I believe it was mister Bogle in housing department. He informed miss Williams that there's a wait for her to operate until the full certificate of occupancy with 5 children or less,” Alex Krokos said.

Council members pressed administration staff for clarity. Councilwoman Hannum said she had concerns about the proposed operation and whether the office-style space would be suitable for autistic children and for mixing the use with other tenants. “Office space isn't typically good for autistic children,” Hannum said. Law Director Cooney and other city staff said they would verify whether any operation was ongoing and noted that a certificate of occupancy must be completed through planning and zoning and the building department before a business may legally operate.

City staff explained the zoning definition treats the proposal as a daycare facility, and staff said the use does not carry the same licensure and outdoor-play requirements as commercial child daycare centers; staff also said the applicant indicated an initial plan of no more than five clients. Council and staff discussed that common restrooms and lack of a dedicated elevator and separate restrooms were among the items counsel wanted clarified.

Given the outstanding questions and the tenant’s absence, council moved to postpone consideration until Feb. 3. Motion to postpone until Monday, Feb. 3 was made by Councilman Wotilla, seconded by Councilman Tanner; the motion passed on roll call with all members present voting yes.

Council directed administration to contact the applicant and the landlord, confirm whether any operation is occurring, and, if necessary, enforce a cease-and-desist until the applicant has completed required approvals. The council also asked staff to provide details about intended staffing ratios, licensure or certification (if any), accessibility, restroom and elevator access, and any proposed mitigation such as soundproofing or separate circulation.