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Swansea planning board approves home-based daycare at 157 Eaton Road, conditional on fire inspection
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Summary
The Swansea Planning Board approved Abigail Latique’s application to operate a home-based daycare at 157 Eaton Road, citing a recent state law change that allows home daycares; approval was conditioned on successful fire-department inspection and routine licensing.
The Swansea Planning Board voted to approve a home-based daycare application from Abigail Latique for 157 Eaton Road, with approval conditioned on a successful fire-department inspection required for state licensing.
Board chair Victoria Rek Ames opened the public hearing and read the state statute language presented with the application. Erica, a representative of Mononoke Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), described a pilot program that supports family-based childcare and said MEDC offers grants of up to $40,000 to make home providers viable. "Abby is our first one here in Swansea," Erica said, noting the program aims to expand local childcare capacity and that the project would create jobs: "Not only is Abby helping with childcare, she's actually going to be creating a job."
Latique told the board she recently moved back to Swansea and is renovating her home for a daycare that would serve about 12 slots under the program model. Board members asked about space and licensing limits; MEDC noted the state guidance used in planning is approximately 35 square feet per child and that providers seeking to expand from nine to 12 children must add an assistant.
Planning staff confirmed no local site-plan review is required under the cited statute for family childcare uses, but the board said public comment will be entered into the record. Planning member [unnamed Committee member] moved to approve the home-based business application with the condition that a fire inspection be completed; the motion was seconded and carried. The board noted that the fire inspection is part of the state licensing process and will be included in the approval documentation.
The board and MEDC urged other prospective providers to contact MEDC for information on grants and technical assistance. The board recorded the approval as an administrative, conditional approval; no additional local zoning waiver was required.
The board closed the hearing and wished Latique success as she pursues licensing and construction.
