Vernon Official: No Warning Given on Daycare Closing

VERNON, CT — The abrupt closing of a daycare center in Vernon Tuesday seems to have caught both town officials and the landlord off guard. Vernon Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately said he was not aware that the business was closing and said the property owner was not notified.

Parents heading to the Apple Tree Learning Center at 170 Hartford Turnpike found out with a typed note on the door.

The note said, "It is with deep sadness and regret that we must announce the immediate closing of Apple Tree daycare … Today, Sept. 25, will be the last day of operations."

The business owner was identified in the door note as "the estate of Kerry Hils." According to the note, the estate is "unable to maintain the business as a viable entity to find a competent buyer to keep the business going."

The note directed all inquiries to:

• Hils Estate, C/O Romano Parker and Associates, 41 New Britain Ave., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.

Gately said he could not comment on immediate future plans for the building, but added, "Once it becomes available we will work with the owner on an appropriate reuse."

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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