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Planning board approves Helping Hand Learning home daycare with DHHS condition
Summary
The planning board approved a conditional-use permit for Helping Hand Learning at 123 Summer Street, allowing up to 12 children, contingent on state DHHS certification and a final approved outdoor-play plan returned to the board.
The planning board approved a conditional-use permit on a 3-1 vote for Helping Hand Learning, a proposed home daycare at 123 Summer Street.
Leah (board member) moved to approve Project 2026.20 for Lakita (Bikita) Sabino to open Helping Hand Learning with the staff-recommended conditions, including submission of DHHS licensing and a lead inspection for the pre-1978 house; Rob seconded the motion. Staff said the home would serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, with a maximum capacity of 12 and a requirement that the applicant reside on the property.
In presenting the staff report, the planner (David, planning staff) said DHHS will not issue a license until the planning board acts and flagged several conditions: DHHS certification must be submitted to the planner within 30 days of receipt, a lead inspection for the 1880 house must confirm any hazards were mitigated to the satisfaction of a state-licensed lead inspector or DHHS, and the home daycare must be inspected and approved by DHHS before opening. The staff report also recommended parking and buffering conditions for the outdoor play area.
Board member Chico pressed for a detailed plot plan, citing safety concerns with a narrow lot, driveway geometry and on-street parking. Sabino told the board she is a pre-K teacher and has been working with DHHS; she said a nearby playground two blocks away and a plan to use the back garage area would provide outdoor time if needed. "Safety is number one," Sabino said, adding she was willing to work with neighbors and staff to address concerns.
The board's approval was conditioned on DHHS certification and return to the planning board for review and final sign-off of any required outdoor play area plans; staff will also seek recommendations from DHHS when meeting with the applicant. Rock voted no; Leah, Rob and Chico voted in favor. The planner said the applicant must provide the DHHS certificate to staff before operations commence.
The board's decision allows Sabino to proceed with the licensing process under those conditions.
