Large Childcare Facility Approved In Simsbury

SIMSBURY, CT — Local land-use officials have approved an application to build a new childcare facility in town, a development that will increase child-care options locally.

The Simsbury Zoning Commission voted 6-0 on April 15 in favor of a site plan application to build a new, 15,000-square-foot childcare center at what will be 30 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury.

It would be located near a residential subdivision in town.

"This is the property in front of the Aspen Green residential development," Simsbury Planning and Community Development Director George McGregor said.

The parcel is owned by 34 Hopmeadow St. Realty Co. LLC and the application did not indicate a name for the operator of the childcare facility, which will include classrooms and play areas on 4.78 acres.

According to applicant representative Brian Denno of Denno Land Surveying, the building would be 15,000 square feet with more than 15,000 square feet designated as an "associated play area."

The facility, he said, would have 36 parking spaces and 14 reserved parking spaces.

According to developer Harry Freeman, the facility would employ about 30-35 staff members and have a maximum pupil enrollment of 220.

While no name of the tenant was divulged, Freeman told the zoning board a national childcare provider has signed on to occupy the property.

"There is an actual tenant. We're looking to start construction," Freeman said.

Zoning board members discussed operational logistics ranging from parking to drainage to other building specifications.

The application has already passed the advisory muster of both the Simsbury Design Review Board and the Simsbury Conservation/Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission.

Ultimately, zoning officials said "yes" to the development with a few standard conditions of approval.

For the minutes of the April 15 Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

For all documents related to the childcare facility application, click on this link.