Early Education And Care School Proposed In Greenwich: P&Z Docs

GREENWICH, CT — A private early education and care school serving infants through kindergarten-aged children could be coming to Greenwich, according to recently submitted Planning & Zoning documents.

New Greenwich Park LLC, the owner of the Greenwich Office Park property at 51 Weaver St., is seeking to change the use of a portion of Building 2 from general office to a Primrose School, John P. Tesei, attorney for the applicant, said in submitted documents.

The office park features multiple buildings, various driveways, parking lots and parking garages.

Primrose School is a chain with over 550 schools throughout the United States, Tesei said, calling the school "a highly experienced and respected institution."

The schools typically operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., according to Tesei, who said children are brought into and picked up inside the building by a parent.

Drop-offs and pick-ups occur over an approximate two-hour period during mornings, and afternoons. Tesei explained that 17 parking spaces will be reserved for this purpose.

The dedicated spaces are located along the building near the entrance to the facility, with two ADA spaces in the same row. The total number of dedicated parking spaces for the school is 41, plus the two ADA spaces. There are 24 spaces dedicated for employees.

The full occupancy licensed capacity is expected to be 152 children. Tesei noted Primrose Schools average a portfolio-wide occupancy of 85 percent in 550 plus locations across the country, "meaning this operation will be likely less intense than these full occupancy numbers presented."

There would be approximately 25 employees on site at one time, with an estimated 50 percent using public transportation or being dropped off, Tesei said.

The school would have its own entrance to the building. In addition to the indoor space, the school would have secure, exclusive use of approximately 2,850 square feet of space for outdoor activities.

In recent years, a Primrose School was proposed at 16 Old Track Road in Greenwich at the former site of Connecticut Natural Gas, but the application was ultimately withdrawn.

The Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission is expected to go over a pre-application review for a final site plan and special permit in the coming weeks.