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Brookhaven council defers Kiddie Academy variance over traffic, stormwater and contamination concerns
Summary
After residents raised traffic, stormwater and soil-contamination concerns, the Brookhaven City Council deferred a variance request for a proposed Kiddie Academy at 2614 Apple Valley Road to the August 22 meeting for more community engagement and follow-up.
Brookhaven — The City Council on June 17 deferred a decision on a variance application for a proposed Kiddie Academy at 2614 Apple Valley Road after nearby residents raised concerns about traffic management, stormwater controls and a history of soil contamination on the parcel.
At a public hearing, staff said the applicant requested eight variances and recommended denial of variances 1, 3, 6 and 7 while conditionally recommending approval of variances 2, 4, 5 and 8. Neighbors urged the council to require a traffic plan and further soil testing before construction.
Isabel Moultrie, a homeowner and member of the Apple Valley Homeowners Group, said in opposition that there was no daycare traffic plan on file with Public Works and that the current Apple Valley Road infrastructure “cannot support potentially 5,100 or potentially 160 children” at peak drop-off or pick-up (as stated in the hearing). She also noted the parcel is listed on Georgia government records since 2000 as HS1 Site 10612 and urged renewed testing and oversight before any excavation near capped areas.
Cheryl Reed, a homeowner directly across from the site, described limited on-street parking enforcement on the nearby ‘Blind Hill’ and said the plan would make driveway access and safety worse without additional traffic controls.
Speakers in support included Stacy Finn, an Apple Valley resident who said she generally agreed with zoning staff recommendations but asked the council to insist on stricter controls on lighting and to reconsider the removal of mature trees that currently serve as noise and light buffers.
Project designer Alex Maugham and applicant Harsh (who operates an existing Midtown Kiddie Academy) responded that the project will meet applicable stormwater codes using underground detention and site treatment devices, that the team had shared a letter from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) with Public Works, and that parking would be located in the rear with the main entrance off Park Street to reduce use of Apple Valley Road. Harsh said the operator uses staggered drop-offs rather than a single peak time and offered to add trees and buffers.
Council member Jennifer Owens moved to delay consideration of variance VAVAR25-0013 to the council’s August meeting pending more community engagement and follow-up; the motion was seconded and carried. The chair set the item for the August 22 meeting.
Next steps: The council will expect follow-up materials and community engagement ahead of the August hearing. Staff and the applicant were asked to provide any traffic plans, the EPD correspondence, and updated soil testing or remediation plans to address neighbors’ concerns.
