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Board approves parking variance for mixed-use building at 701 Maple to allow after-school childcare
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Summary
The Zoning Board approved a variance reducing required parking at 701 Maple so the applicants can operate an after-school childcare downstairs and occupy two upstairs apartments; staff recommended approval, and the board voted unanimously.
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to approve a parking variance for 701 Maple Street, allowing John and Julie Millett to operate an after-school childcare facility on the ground floor while living in the two apartments upstairs.
Staff planner Michelle told the board the building is a mixed use with differing peak demand and recommended approval: "The parking requirement seems substantial for a use that doesn't have significant parking needs when daytime street parking is also an option," she said. She explained the ordinance requires one parking space per bedroom for residential uses and a separate ratio for childcare, and that mixed-use timing often justifies a variance.
Applicant John Millett said the business would be primarily after-school care and that the couple — who would be the on-site employees — expected limited overlap of residential and childcare parking demand. "We're allowed 1 caregiver per 18 students," he said, describing licensing math and a maximum licensed capacity of 36 school-age children under state rules.
A nearby property owner, John Holdsworth, asked the board to consider traffic flow and safety in the adjoining parking area during fact-finding. Board members discussed future scenarios such as renting the apartments and whether a condition should revert parking requirements if the building's use changes.
After deliberation a member moved to approve the use-variance application to decrease the number of required parking spaces; the motion passed on roll call with all members voting yes.
The board recorded that the application met the standards in sections 13.5 and 13.7 of the zoning ordinance; the approval allows the applicants to pursue licensing and other agency reviews required to open the childcare operation.
