Planning panel refers 3599 Deerfield Drive daycare expansion to City Council after neighbors raise safety and traffic concerns

The Hoover Planning Commission on an undisclosed date voted to forward to the Hoover City Council — with no recommendation — a conditional-use request to reclassify the home at 3599 Deerfield Drive from a day care home to a group day care home.

Alicia Rausser, the owner and applicant, told the commission she operates a family childcare program at the address and seeks authorization to convert to a group day care that would allow up to 12 children "but currently based off of the square footage, I can have 8." Rausser described a staggered drop-off and pickup schedule and said Department of Human Resources screening is used for staff and parents to address safety and screening concerns.

The move to refer the matter followed lengthy staff comments, applicant testimony and multiple public speakers who said increasing the number of children would raise traffic and safety risks on the dead-end street. Staff told the commission it was not providing a positive recommendation for approval but listed conditions it would require if the commission or council favoured approval: completion and inspection of all upgrades and issuance of a new certificate of occupancy before increased enrollment; no pickup or drop-off on Atkins Trim Boulevard; a maximum of 12 children in accordance with the zoning ordinance; hours limited to 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; no employee parking on either adjacent street; and renewal of the business license with updated classification.

Several neighbors spoke in opposition. Bryant Meadors of 3583 Deerfield Drive said he would have objected earlier and did not want more children in the neighborhood. Pam Metters said residents chose the street because it is a dead-end with low traffic. Other residents described curb-appeal and traffic concerns and urged the commission to consider safety measures.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on building and fire-safety requirements. The Chair noted that sprinkler upgrades typically require larger water meters and added that any sprinkler or code-related work would be enforced before allowing an increase in occupancy. Staff also reported that Hoover City Schools periodically reviews bus-stop locations and that a stop near the property could be relocated when routes are reassessed.

Rather than vote to approve or deny, the commission sent the application to the Hoover City Council with no recommendation; staff and the Chair said the council would decide the case within the next 30 to 60 days and that notice will go to interested parties.