Planning board approves Center for Discovery’s request to convert space into three classrooms

The Fallsburg Planning Board voted to approve a change of use that would allow the Center for Discovery to relocate dance studios and establish three classrooms at 222 Main Street.

Len Smith, representing the Center for Discovery, summarized the proposal and zoning review: the project would move the dance studios and install three classrooms and a small fitness room for staff and clients in an annex zoning district. “Basically, we don't need special use permit for this,” Smith told the board, noting planning review remained required.

Planning staff clarified the principal use was appropriately recorded as a theater/performance center in the site's original approval and that the proposed classrooms and studio functions could be treated as accessory uses. The Center’s representative described the classrooms as nonpublic, state‑classified special education rooms (six students per classroom, 1 teacher and three dedicated teaching assistants per room) and said the program would provide integrated clinical services such as OT, PT and speech therapy within the classroom environment. “This 3 classrooms would serve 18 students,” a center representative said.

After board discussion the Chair moved and the board voted 'Aye' to approve the change of use, subject to any outstanding state approvals and architectural requirements. Representatives said, even if local approvals were expedited, construction and program startup would likely not begin before June because state architectural approval remains pending.

Next steps: the Center will complete required architectural submissions to the State Education Department and confirm logistics for buses, drop‑off, and use of the existing ballroom for recitals; the board recorded the approval but will rely on state certification before full operation.