Mount Kisco Planners Approve Childcare Center
Following months of review, the Mount Kisco Planning Board unanimously approved earlier this week a new childcare center for 27 Radio Circle.
The planners okayed the site plan and special use permit on Aug. 28 for Little Garden Childcare Center that will be operated by Mark and Beatrice Santora despite a split on the board concerning the placement of the 3,200-square-foot outdoor play area.
Planning Board Vice Chairman Anthony Sturniolo ultimately voted for the approvals, but added last week the “play area is still in the wrong place.”
Throughout the approval process, the applicant steadfastly maintained that the play area should be in front of the building because staff could more easily monitor it, making it a safer location than in the rear of the property. Board member Doug Hertz, who did not attend the Aug. 28 meeting, also wanted it behind the building.
“It’s been a long haul, but I think you’ll do a great job for the village,” Planning Board Chairman Joseph Cosentino told the Santoras after the vote was taken.
The project still requires a variance from the zoning board of appeals because the building coverage would be more than allowed under the zoning code for that property. Village Attorney Whitney Singleton said ZBA members have supported the variance and expect to approve it this month.
The 10,878-square-foot center will be built in an existing building to provide pre-school and after-school programs for school-age children and day programs for pre-school aged children.
The center will be able to accommodate up to 146 children, which includes periods when programs for both the day care and after school children between the ages of 5 and 12 are conducted, Mark Santora said.
