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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
January 19, 2009 CONSOLIDATED PLAN COMMISSION 7:00 p.m.
Paul Beere called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with Dennis Crombie, Chris Denman, Maureen Eckert, Chris Johnson, James Joseph, Roger Kieffer, Mark Tamblyn, Brian Wanasek and Bob Willard present. Dean Stapleton was absent.
Also present: Jonathan Schattner, Zoning Administrator; and Betty Novy, Secretary.
Pledge of Allegiance.
At the request of Paul Beere, all members introduced themselves. This was the first meeting of the Consolidated Plan Commission.
Conceptual presentation regarding an application for conditional use to occupy 29134 Evergreen Drive with a day care center “Little Thinkers” Applicant: Tom Roanhouse and Bonita Weis, Co-owners: Groundsupopps Enterprises, LLC
Tom Roanhouse addressed the Commission as co-owner of the multi-tenant commercial building at 29134 Evergreen Drive. He explained the second floor of the building has been vacant since the building was first occupied in May of 2007. The upstairs was intentionally left unimproved so as to be flexible for future use. The proposal is to occupy the second floor and a portion of first floor with Little Thinkers Day Care Center. Plans were submitted that showed the extent of remodeling necessary to accommodate the proposed use. The building is also occupied by a coffee shop, a Christian counseling service and a computer services company. Bonnie Weis, co-owner of the building, was also present. Bonnie stated her opinion that the coffee shop business, counseling services and computer services were compatible with provision of day care services within the same building.
Tom introduced Fran Kielas and Roxanne Janisewski, proprietors of “Little Thinkers” day care center. Fran reported 20 years in the day care business. She explained this is an existing day care center which currently occupies three classrooms within the Waterford Graded School District. She provides exclusive service to the children of Waterford Graded School and Waterford High School district teachers. Waterford Schools are in need of classroom space, so the day care center was ordered to relocate. “Little Thinkers” currently provides service to 56 children six weeks to eleven years old, with four to five additional infants expected this year. Submitted plans will increase total capacity of the center to 78 children. As a result, they may be able to open enrollment to the general public. It was noted the day care business is heavily regulated by the State. A professional reviewed their plans for compliance with State licensing requirements. It is believed the proposed plan meets applicable codes.
Plan Commissioners questioned site improvements outside of the building. A fenced play area is planned for behind the building. They are still researching whether concrete abutments are required to protect the play area from the parking lot. When concern was expressed about children crossing the parking lot to access the play area, it was noted site improvements will include a striped pedestrian crossing and signage to alert drivers of the potential situation. Fran reported children often go on walking field trips from their current location. The same safety protocols will be utilized when crossing the parking lot that is used when they cross streets.
Plan Commissioners then questioned access and traffic patterns. The existing traffic pattern is one way, with vehicles entering from Evergreen Drive on the east side of the building, driving around the rear of the building and exiting back to Evergreen Drive on the west side of the building. This pattern accommodates a drive-thru window for the coffee shop on the west side of the building. The western driveway allows two-way traffic to access additional parking located on that side of the building. Concern was expressed about teachers dropping off their children during heavy use periods for the coffee shop drive thru. Drop off points for the day care center were identified as either front or eastern entrances to the building. Bonnie indicated most day care users will drop off their children between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Drive thru business peaks from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. She feels the current traffic pattern will accommodate both uses, but will consider restricting the western driveway to one-way traffic if it proves to be a problem.
Jonathan Schattner questioned whether neighboring business owners had been contacted. Tom Roanhouse indicated conversations were held with Rochester Automotive, Roesings Furniture, Freddy Bears Antique Mall and Homestead Day Care. The only negative reaction was from the day care center due to the competition. However, Tom indicated the owner ultimately agreed competition might be good for both businesses.
Plan Commissioners offered no objection to the conceptual presentation. Applicants were directed to proceed with a formal application which includes the following information:
They also asked that plans be submitted to the fire chief and building inspector for review and comment. Additional direction was given to offer more consideration to the traffic pattern.
Establish standing meeting date for Consolidated Plan Commission
Consensus of the Commission was to establish the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. as their standing meeting date.
Jim Joseph moved, 2nd by Mark Tamblyn to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Secretary
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