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Board grants special exception to reopen Sleepy Hollow daycare at 995 Grace Road with conditions
Summary
Winifred Kelly Ferris was granted a special exception to operate a daycare at 995 Grace Road (the former Sleepy Hollow site) subject to conditions including expanded and striped parking, use‑and‑occupancy signoffs, and that the exception remain with the property rather than transferable to new owners.
The Board of Appeals approved Winifred Kelly Ferris’ special exception request June 4 to operate a daycare at 995 Grace Road, a site previously used as Sleepy Hollow Day Care for decades. Ferris told the board she purchased the property in January 2025 and has completed or initiated upgrades required for licensing, including septic replacement and coordination with licensing staff.
Ferris said she is working through the Maryland childcare licensing checklist and expects inspections and use‑and‑occupancy permitting to follow. Permit reviewer Libby Mills confirmed the site historically hosted a daycare for about 30 years and reiterated that final licensing depends on completion of specified inspections, expansion and delineation of parking, and any code analysis if mixed‑use occupancy changes.
The board conditioned its approval on parking upgrades (striping/wheel stops and an ADA space), cleanup of the playground/yard, and DOE licensing/use‑and‑occupancy signoffs. Members also clarified that the special exception applies to this applicant at this location and will expire if not used within the statutory period.
