Millwood Learning Center Seeks Move to Mount Kisco
Devereux New York, which provides programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, has proposed to move its Millwood Learning Center to Mount Kisco.
The plan was discussed at the June 9 planning board meeting by Devereux New York’s former executive director John O’Keefe, who is serving as a consultant for the project, and Dr. Cindy Alterson, the school’s principal and program director. Devereux needs a special permit and change of use approval from the board.
The applicant is seeking to move into a 10,989-square-foot space at 27 Radio Circle, the site formerly occupied by Little Garden Day Care. The school has been operating at 14 Schuman Rd. in Millwood for about 20 years.
A public hearing on the application is scheduled for June 23.
O’Keefe said the organization informed its landlord in January it would not renew its current lease. Moving into the Mount Kisco site would save the agency $100,000 a year in rent, he said.
Currently, the Millwood Learning Center provides programs for 48 students with a staff of 38 full-time employees and 17 part-timers. The school would continue to operate between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:35 p.m. for students. Staff would work between 7:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., Alterson said. Devereux is hoping to move the center into the Mount Kisco site in July.
Alterson said the school, which serves individuals between 5 and 21 years old, would also have its students volunteer at workplaces throughout the community, such as Northern Westchester Hospital, to help prepare them for work as adults.
O’Keefe said no exterior work is needed at the site, but minor interior renovations are necessary.
While the board was receptive to the proposal, members expressed concern about the parking plan. Alterson said there are, 60 parking spaces, 30 spaces on the property and another 30 located elsewhere on Radio Circle.
Village Attorney Whitney Singleton said if there is insufficient employee parking on the building’s property, the off-site parking must be on an adjacent parcel under village code.
Devereux New York is no stranger to the local area. It previously sought approvals for group homes in central and northern Westchester. The Mount Pleasant Town Board rejected its request for a group home in March 2014. Last September the Somers Town Board declined to vote on an application for a group home for four men with autism, which under state regulations allowed the plan to move forward.
