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Parents, developers and councilors discuss new 10,000 sq. ft. daycare; request Fort Stanwix Park improvements
Summary
Prospective operators told the Rome Common Council on Aug. 13 they plan a 10,000‑square‑foot day care at 505 North James Street that would serve roughly 120 children and asked the city to add playground equipment at adjacent Fort Stanwix Park and repair nearby sidewalks.
Mark Rienzel, who said he and his wife are opening a child day care center at 505 North James Street, told the Rome Common Council on Aug. 13 that the facility will be about 10,000 square feet and “will accommodate approximately a 120 children, upwards of a 100 families.” He said the center would serve children from about 6 weeks through 12 years and that day care regulations require outdoor time: “our children go outside for a minimum of 15 minutes a day every day, 365 days a year.” Rienzel asked the city to consider adding age‑appropriate playground equipment in adjacent Fort Stanwix Park and to repair nearby sidewalks and trip hazards.
A neighbor, Aaron Reed of North Washington Street, said he lives across from Stanwix Park and urged the council to focus on that park when planning new playground equipment because many neighborhood children cannot safely travel to more distant playgrounds.
Councilor Esprita, who identified himself as chair of the parks and recreation committee, said he applauded the Rienzels’ investment but noted the city is working from a parks master plan that has not been updated in about 20 years and that committee staff have not yet returned recommendations. He said he had raised two practical cautions after speaking with Brandon Lovett, the parks and recreation director: the city prefers not to install used playground equipment because of potential safety and liability hazards, and there is a historical sensitivity around Fort Stanwix Park because parts of the park may be a burial ground — an issue that would affect what can be installed. Esprita said the parks committee will continue to work with the applicants but could not promise immediate action while the master plan and a virtual meeting in September remain outstanding.
Why it matters: The proposed daycare would add daily park use and create demand for safe, age‑appropriate play space and sidewalk repairs in the neighborhood. Any park improvements must align with the parks master plan, safety standards for equipment, and considerations related to historical resources.
What’s next: The parks committee will continue discussions with the applicants and staff; a virtual parks master‑plan meeting is planned in September and will inform whether and how Fort Stanwix Park can be modified.
