Commission approves 9,300-sq-ft expansion of GEHS 'Trails' building to serve adult transition program

The Planning Commission voted to approve a site plan for a 9,300-square-foot expansion to the Trails Building at Gardner Edge High School on March 23. The expansion, presented by David Raleigh of MKEC Engineering and reviewed by city planner Jesse Hunter, would add space on the east portion of the high school property and require relocation of a stormwater line and adjustments to detention facilities.

Staff described a parking plan that provides 43 spaces (exceeding the code-calculated maximum), additional landscaping and a hedge row to screen the lot from neighboring houses, and a façade consistent with the existing school appearance. Staff recommended approval with two conditions: compliance with stormwater requirements and installation of cutoff lighting fixtures to avoid adverse effects on the adjacent residences.

Jody Marshall, assistant superintendent for the school district, said the Trails program is an adult transition program for students ages 18 to 21 with special needs and that enrollment is expected to grow from roughly 10 to about 20 students; the expansion also includes two classrooms for alternative-education students and space to bring a credit-recovery program back on campus. Marshall said the expansion was not expected to create significant additional congestion and that bus drop-off for Trails students uses a separate loop.

Commissioner Alucci moved to approve the site plan with the two staff conditions; Commissioner Juneman seconded. The motion passed 7-0.

Staff indicated the applicant and staff will continue to coordinate final public-improvement details and permits as the project advances.