Ross officials approve daycare capacity increase
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Carrie L. Casper has received approval from Ross officials to double the capacity of the daycare center she operates in a home on Thompson Run Road.
Commissioners Monday granted Ms. Casper conditional-use approval to increase the number of children served by her center from the current six to a maximum of 12.
Their action came with the stipulations that the property be inspected to assure compliance with township ordinances and that Ms. Casper make whatever changes or improvements are requested by municipal officials.
"Whatever the township says needs to be done will be done," Ms. Casper said.
The combination home-daycare center is at 555 Thompson Run Road, just west of the border with Shaler. Ms. Casper said she planned to continue to live in the house, which she rents. The property is in an R-1 residential zoning district.
The township planning commission had split 4-4 on a vote not to recommend approval of the plans. Building inspector Dennis Schack said some members were concerned about adding more traffic on narrow and winding Thompson Run Road and about lack of fencing around the play area.
The daycare center is set far back from the road, Ms. Casper said, assuring that children can be dropped off and picked up safely.
The play area is bordered by natural barriers, she said. Her reading of township regulations was that fences are not required in such cases, she said, but agreed to install them if necessary.
In addition to township approval, the center also must pass a tougher state inspection.
Her center will be visited this summer by the state Department of Public Welfare, she said. She and all center employees also have to pass background and criminal checks.
Since opening the center in 2006, she has joined with the YWCA's Children Partnership, which provides subsidized daycare tuition, and the state's Keystone Stars initiative, which recognizes child-care facilities that exceed state standards. The center will continue to operate 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, she said.
Ross has a great need for more daycare, she told the commissioners. "I get calls every day from parents," she said.
Some families have had to wait two years to enroll their children in similar facilities, she said.
Commissioners also approved plans for a one-story professional office at 6011 and 6013 Babcock Blvd.
The new office will replace two older homes on what is now a single lot opposite the Shoppes at Northway. The site is zoned R-1, and adjoins both commercial and residential properties.
Only one neighbor attended the meeting, and he told commissioners he was satisfied with the proposal.
The brick building will house Csonka Optometric. Architect Adolfo Marche said it will contain about 5,900 square feet. Its maximum height will be 27 feet, well below the 35-foot limit under zoning rules.
All parking will be in the rear and screened by shrubbery and a 6-foot fence. Entrance to the property will be via Roderick Drive and will not require new curb cuts on busy Babcock Boulevard.
The owner of a duplex at 145-147 Sixth Ave. was granted approval to divide the property into two lots.
Jamie Broniszewski, of Old Orchard Road, said he planned to sell each half to the tenant now renting it.
First Published April 17, 2008 5:44 am
