Planning commission approves Mini Mint Preschool home‑occupation at 87 East Baltic Rush Ave.

The Saratoga Springs Planning Commission on July 30 unanimously approved a Class 3 home‑occupation permit for Mini Mint Preschool at 87 East Baltic Rush Avenue.

Staff described the proposal as two classes per day of 10 students each (20 students total), operating Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with up to 40% of the home used for the childcare program. Planner Caden Baines told commissioners the application meets the city's home‑occupation and off‑street parking codes and that pickup and drop‑off will be staggered so vehicles can remain in the driveway rather than on the street.

"Everyone's really supportive of it," said Susan Reyes, the applicant. "Fifty percent of the neighborhood are actually in our preschools." Reyes told the commission she is completing state childcare licensing and that the city business‑license application process is under way.

Commissioners asked several clarifying questions. Commissioner Hill noted a staff condition to obtain a business license and asked whether neighbors had been contacted; staff said no formal neighbor notice is required by code and the applicant confirmed outreach. Commissioners also asked whether unfinished basements or garages count toward the 40% occupancy limit; staff said basements and garages are typically not counted unless finished and part of the occupied floor area under the application.

Commissioner Wheldon moved to approve the request with the findings and conditions in the staff report; Commissioner Roman seconded. The chair called the vote and the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff will confirm final compliance with the conditions in the staff report (business license completion and any technical corrections) before the operation begins.