Zoning Board Approves Daycare Variance

on Center Avenue in Westwood will soon have on-site employee parking thanks to a unanimous vote Monday night by members of the Westwood Zoning Board.

Board members agreed to grant the daycare center a variance allowing for 10 on-site employee parking spaces. Originally the applicant had asked for a semi-circular driveway in front of the building for drop off and pick up, but board officials deemed that inappropriate for the site. Instead, parents will use street parking to drop off and pick up their children, as has been done for about 40 years that a daycare has been at the location.

Then the applicant had 11 parking spaces in its design, but board professionals worried it did not allow enough room for motorists to easily maneuver back onto the street. Instead, the applicant agreed to eliminate the spot closest to Irvington Street and allow it to be a K turn area.

Board members had some questions about how the parking spots would be managed. According to the plans, parking would be stacked so when all the spots are in use, certain cars would be blocked.

Property owner and applicant Stacie Bell said her employees work in shifts so the parking would be easily managed. She said two to three employees would be coming and going at one time since they work in shifts from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. She added that if staff members had to move their cars during the day, there is a receptionist that could cover classrooms when necessary.

Center Avenue resident Jack Surran, who has lived there for 34 years, said a recurring problem is parents blocking residents' driveways when they drop off or pick up their children from daycare. He wanted assurances that Bell would talk to parents about respecting those that live on that street.

Bell said she would educate parents as best she could.

Tom Smith, a Center Avenue resident, said during the public comment portion that he liked the plan. "I think it's a great idea to move parking off the street," he said. "It's a better use of the property than what was there before."

Applicant attorney David Lafferty explained that Bell was not planning to expand the footprint of the property, at 410 Center Ave. He explained there would be six dedicated spots for parent drop off and pick up along Center Avenue and moving 10 employees into staff-only parking spots would free up additional parking for parents. He said Bell would post signs inside the facility to remind parents not to block residents' driveways, would add a memo to the parent handbook and distribute additional flyers or handouts if needed.

One condition of approval is a landscape plan, which will be reviewed by Board Engineer Louis Raimondi and Board Planner Steve Lydon. Zoning Board Chairman William Martin said part of that plan should include what will be done to replace any trees that come down.

Lafferty said Bell agrees to replace any trees that do not survive or must be removed because of the construction. He said they would be replaced with an appropriate species in a more suitable location on the site.

Board Attorney David Rutherford suggested the applicant submit revised plans, based on requested changes from the board, at least 10 days before the next meeting, scheduled for July 11.

"Then the board can adopt a resolution and also make a declaration at that time that the revised plan does satisfy the conditions of the approved application," Rutherford said.

Martin added that way the applicant will not lose any time.

All board members present voted in favor of the resolution to accept the application. Guy Hartman and Eric Oakes were both absent from the meeting.