Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout96-044 Amend to Allow Day Care CITY OF PRIOR LAKE ORDINANCE NO. 96-14 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 5-3-3 OF PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE AND AMENDING SECTION 3.1 OF PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE 83-6. The City Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain: Section 5-3-3 of Prior Lake City Code and Section 3.1 of Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance 83-6 are hereby amended by adding the following number 18. under the listing of permitted land uses in the B-2, Community Business District: 18. Day care centers This ordinance shall become effective from and after its' passage and publication. Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 17 tlUay of June , 1996. c:f:.~~/~ . in the Prior Lake American on the 22nd day of June , 1996. Drafted By: City of Prior Lake Planning department 16200 E1~~f?9f&~.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: SUBJECT: DATE: INTRODUCTION: DISCUSSION: ISSUES: ALTERNATIVES: STAFF AGENDA REPORT 8D DONALD RYE, PLANNING DIRECTOR CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 96-14 TO PERMIT NURSERY SCHOOLS/DAY CARE FACILITIES IN THE B-2, COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT JUNE 17, 1996 Karen and Edward Fisher have made application to amend the zoning ordinance to allow nursery schools/day care facilities in the B-2, Community Business District. It is their intent to operate a Montessori pre-school at a location on the edge of the downtown area. Presently, nursery schools/day care facilities are permitted in the B-1, Limited Business District and day care facilities are permitted in the B-3, General Business district. The Planning Commission concurred with the staff recommendation to approve the request. Staff is of the opinion that such a use is compatible with commercial developments and often provides a valuable service for persons working in such areas. The attached draft planning commission minutes discusses this issue in further detail. The primary issue is whether such a land use is compatible with commercial development in the B-2 district. Inasmuch as this use is deemed to be compatible with the other commercial districts in the City, it seems obvious that the use would be compatible with the other uses in the B-2 district. The Council has three alternatives: 1. Approve the proposed ordinance amendment 2. Deny the proposed ordinance 3. Defer action for a specific reason. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Council adopt Alternative 1. 16200 J!>a'bY~~~~m~CS.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 4h7-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ACTION REQUIRED Motion to adopt Ordinance 96-14. ReVi11:fra DA YCARCC.OOC/CC 2 Could r .se definition of "unstable land" to a 75% credit. V onhof: Good drawn and good potential uses. What is a mini urn park size acceptable to be useful? Paul responded 5 acr with the use of p yground, ball fields, picnic shelter, and parking space. 3 acres are require for ball fields. NURP ponds and wands have been taken out of park dedications. Developers responsibl for grading - Paul said other communities d this. Once the developers are in tune to 0 this it is easy when they are out deve ping and grading. The trails are critical. It woul e easier to grade trails and put the ack top in before the homes are built. Cash in lieu of the land is bas on !3,000 per acre. It is b ed on gross acre. Wuellner: Unstable land with poor soils - con diction. Paul plained the conversion of the land characteristics vs. the dedication credl . Clarify statements for developers as to t e inte Criego: Agrees with Commissioners. Rye said setting standards like this wil e... Th thought process that led to this. Some properties will have more value. Thi establish a r ative system of suitable land. Not subject to much attack. If the developer makes the land velopable he shoul Virgin woods would have a hi value. Paul stated number one prio. is to have flat lands. Change B to go up to a hi er category. Change wording 0 d characteristics. Loftus: Retrofitting unstable and. There can be misunderstandings betwe the City and developer. We ne to get a strong understanding. Move percentag closer. MOTION BY ONHOF TO RECOMMEND PROPOSED CHANGES... S PRESENTE WITH ADDITIONS INCLUDING NOT ACCEPTING NU PONDS AND REV ING THE UNSTABLE LAND AND OF 10% TO BE UPGRAD D. SECOND D BY WUELLNER. V e taken signified ayes by all. MOTION PASSED. CASE #96-044 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST BY KAREN L. AND EDWARD J. FISHER TO AMEND SECTION 5-3-3 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE AND SECTION 3 OF THE PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE TO MN06I096.DOC PAGE 2 MAKE PRE-SCHOOLS/CHILD CARE A PERMITTED USE IN THE B2- COMMUNITY BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICT. THE APPLICANTS ARE INTERESTED IN OPERATING A PRE-SCHOOL ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4730 DAKOTA STREET WHICH IS ZONED B2-COMMUNITY BUSINESS. Director of Planning, Don Rye, presented the information from the Staff Report dated June 10, 1996. Recommendation to City Council is to approve the proposed Ordinance amending the B-2 District to allow day care centers as permitted uses. Comments from the public: Karen Fisher and Ed Fisher, and supported parents (10 letters in support). Brought proposal forward because they did not feel it was a big stretch of the Ordinance and would be a nuisance. Would like this added to the B-2 district. This operation has been town almost 3 years and is not concerned with high visibility. Kathy Feely, 18246 Country Squire, and feels this is the best daycare her children have ever been in. She is impressed with the quality of day care in the community. Dave Monson, 2891 Center, we need more of this, It is a great school. Her child is on a waiting list to get in. Cheryl Hennen, 4680 Tower Street SE, is in support of the daycare. Jennifer, 14283 Shady Beach Trail, SE has 3 four year olds and feels Little Lakes is a great place. It will help down town Prior Lake. Closed. Loftus and Wuellner agrees it is a great V onhof should be a permitted use. With all the related traffic does not see a problem. Criego is in support and is a very valuable asset to the community. MOTION BY LOFTUS TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND TO INCLUDE DA YCARE CENTER PERMITTED IN THE B-2 ZONING ORDINANCE. WUELLNER SECOND. Votes taken signified ayes by all. MOTION PASSED. Public hearing closed. ---.~----------- -,._.~->----.....,~ CAS~;-=<M5 INARY PLAT PROPO~A-lS-~GLE-F~~; DEVELOPMENT TO BE " APLE HILL SECOND ADDITION" A 11.5 -- ----- ----------- --------- --- /---- MN061096.DOC PAGEl PLANNING REPORT SITE: PRESENTER: PUBLIC HEARING: DATE: 4B CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO THE B-2 ZONING DISTRICT TO ADD NURSERY SCHOOLS AND DAY CARE CENTERS AS PERMITTED USES NOT APPLICABLE DONALD RYE, PLANNING DIRECTOR _X_ YES _NO-N/A JUNE 10, 1996 AGENDA ITEM: SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION: Karen and Edward Fisher have made application to amend the zoning ordinance to allow pre-schools/child care as permitted uses in the B-2-Community Business District. They indicate their intent to operate a Montessori pre-school at a location on the edge of the downtown area. DISCUSSION: Presently, nursery schools and day care centers for more than 12 children are permitted in the B-1, Limited Business District and day care facilities are permitted in the B-3, General Business District. Both uses have been allowed in the City for at least 12 years. Traditionally, day care facilities were frequently located in single family homes and were run by individual providers or they were located in conjunction with churches and schools. More recently, there has been significant development of larger, centralized free- standing facilities which provide varying levels of child care, ranging from drop-in facilities with minimal program offerings to full scale day care operations which provide infant and pre-school care as well as structured programs for a wide range of ages. These larger facilities are usually located in commercial or industrial areas, frequently with high visibility from nearby thoroughfares and located close to employment concentrations which are in a position to utilize the services being offered. The applicants propose to locate in downtown Prior Lake to take advantage of the nearby library and parks and to be centrally located in the community. Attached is a statement from the applicants supporting their application for a zoning amendment. Staff believes that the use as proposed fits the existing definition of a day care center, so it would not be necessary to add a new definition to the ordinance. Staff is also of the opinion that the proposed amendment is consistent with Comprehensive Plan policies relating to economic development and land use. The characteristics of these uses are such that nuisance issues are unlikely to result from such uses once established and it would be 16200 ~Yf~~~Rs.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER appropriate to allow such uses as permitted uses consistent with their treatment in the B-1 and B-3 districts. AL TERNA TIVES: 1. The Planning Commission can recommend approval of the attached ordinance amending the B-2 District to allow day care centers as a permitted use. 2. The Planning Commission can recommend denial of the attached ordinance. 3. The Planning Commission can continue the public hearing for specified reasons. RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommendation is to approve Alternative 1. ACTION REQUIRED: Motion to recommend to the City Council that the B-2. Community business District be amended to include d~ care centers as a permitted use and to adopt the attached ordinance. DA YCARB2.DOC/DR 2 APPLICATION TO AMEND ZONING Little Lakers Montessori Pre-School formally makes application to occupy building at 4730 Dakota St. for the purposes of operating a pre-school and child care with a maximum occupency of 49 children. Children range in age from 3-6 years. Currently the site is zoned B-2. ---Community Business.At present Pre-SchooVChild care is not listed as a permitted use.Yet within a B-1 or B-3 classification it is permissable.The area in question is downtown. Please be advised a commercial school is a recommended use for a B-2 zone.Can this vary that much from a private Montessori Pre-SchooVChild Care? Little Lakers Montessori Pre-SchooVChild Care would be oflfering a community service. The families that are affiliated with the school would have a greater awareness and opportunity to patronize downtown merchants. Little Lakers finds this location appealing due to its central location and access to both Hwy.13 and Co. Rd. 21.Little Lakers has made a commitment to be located in the town of Prior Lake.Downtown affords the opportunity to take frequent field trips to the library and mini field trips to parks.Police/Fire station are in close proximity in the event emergency aid is needed. Little Lakers has been in operation for 2 years and currently has a waiting list of approx. 20 children. The director of the facility (Karen Fisher) has been a resident since 1990. Re'sume' attached. Little Lakers is a bit unique because it offers Pre-School in addition to extended child care so two income families are accommadated with a full day program without having to worry about transportation between Pre-School and Child care. Research indicates income and population demographics are favorable for this venture. Little Lakers has experienced rapid growth that necessitates a larger facility.Price structure makes building new prohibitive.!t is noteworthy that leased space is scarce or cost prohibitive. To summarize,Little Lakers urges the members of the zoning committee to adopt this type of school as a permitted use. Little Lakers has made a contingent offer on the building at 4730 Dakota St.Prior Lake. The structure would need to be renovated for our specific use. Discussion with city officials indicate $9000 in service charges for water/sewer & permits. The county assessors office estimates real estate taxes would increase at a rate of 10% per year for the next 5-6 years. Please note our target opening date for Little Lakers would be 8-30-96.This necessitates a ruling by the zoning committee.Build-out would take 4-8 weeks.Tenitively, financing for closing could be in place by 6-15-96. The Director/Principles of Little Lakers are willing to expedite this process following all proceedures deemed necessary to petition change in the samantics of the zoning code allowing for Pre-School use. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, ~.4AL/}7 cL~-v Karen L Fisher Director. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST BY KAREN L. AND EDWARD J. FISHER TO AMEND SECTION 5-3-3 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE AND SECTION 3 OF THE PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE TO MAKE PRE-SCHOOLS/CHILD CARE A PERMITTED USE IN THE B2-COMMUNITY BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICT. THE APPLICANTS ARE INTERESTED IN OPERATING A PRE-SCHOOL ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4730 DAKOTA STREET WHICH IS ZONED B2-COMMUNITY BUSINESS. You are hereby notified that the Prior Lake Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at Prior lake Fire Station #1, located at 16776 Fish Point Road SE. (Southwest of the intersection of County Road 21 and Fish Point Road), on Monday, June 10, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider a request by Karen L. and Edward J. Fisher to amend to Section 5-3-3 of the City Code and Section 3 of the Zoning Ordinance to make pre-schools and child care a permitted use in the B2-Community Business zoning district. If you wish to be heard in reference to this item, you should attend the public hearing. Oral and written comments will be considered by the Planning Commission. If you have questions regarding this matter, contact the Planning Department at 447-4230. Prepared this 22nd day of May, 1996, by: R. Michael Leek Associate Planner City of Prior Lake TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE PRIOR LAKE AMERICAN ON MAY 25 AND JUNE 1, 1996. 16200 ~g~t~P~i"~/5\C(,e. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Criego: . Agrees with Commissioners. . Rye said setting standards like that, by definition is going to be arbitrary to some extent. The City will never have a formula to pin it down exactly. Some properties will have more value, others will need work. The more work a property needs, the less value it is to the park system. This establish a relative system of perfectly suitable land to perfectly unsuitable. Not subject to much attack. . If the developer makes the land developable he should get 100% credit. . Virgin woods would have a high value. . Hokeness stated the number one priority right now is to have flat lands. . Change B to go up to a higher category. Change wording of land characteristics. Loftus: . Retrofitting unstable land. There can be misunderstandings between the City and developer. We need to get a strong understanding. Move percentages closer. MOTION BY VONHOF, SECOND BY WUELLNER, TO RECOMMEND ADOPTION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 6, SECTION 6-6-8, AS PRESENTED, WITH TWO ADDITIONS INCLUDING NOT ACCEPTING N.U.R.P. PONDS, WATER RETENTION AREAS FOR P ARK DEDICATION AND REVISING THE UNSTABLE LAND AND POOR SOIL CONDITIONS SECTION. Discussion: Support changes. Vote taken signified ayes by Vonhof, Wuellner, Loftus and Criego. MOTION PASSED. CASE #96-044 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST BY KAREN L. AND EDWARD J. FISHER TO AMEND SECTION 5-3-3 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE AND SECTION 3 OF THE PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE TO MAKE PRE-SCHOOLS/CHILD CARE A PERMITTED USE IN THE B2- COMMUNITY BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICT. THE APPLICANTS ARE INTERESTED IN OPERATlNG A PRE-SCHOOL ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4730 DAKOTA STREET WHICH IS ZONED B2-COMMUNITY BUSINESS. The hearing was open to the public and a sign-up sheet was circulated to the audience. Director of Planning, Don Rye, presented the information from the Staff Report dated June 10, 1996. Recommendation to City Council is to approve the proposed Ordinance amending the B-2 District to allow day care centers as permitted uses. Comments from the public: Karen Fisher and Ed Fisher, and supported parents were present. (10 letters of support were sent to the City). The Fishers are requesting daycare/pre-school facilities added to MN061096.DOC PAGE 3 the permitted uses in the B-2 district. Mrs. Fisher said they brought the proposal forward because they felt it would fit easily into the Ordinance. The operation has been successful in town for almost 3 years. There is not a concern for high visibility. They currently have a waiting list. Cathy Fealy, 18246 Country Squire, stated Little Lakers is the best daycare facility her children have ever been in. She is impressed with the quality of day care in the community . Dave Monson, 2891 Center, felt it is a great school. His child is on a waiting list to get m. Cheryl Hennen, 4680 Tower Street SE, is in support of the daycare. Janine Alcorn, 14283 Shady Beach Trail NE, has 3 four year olds and feels Little Lakers is a great place. It will help down town Prior Lake. Vice Chair Criego closed the public hearing. Loftus: . Supportive. Wuellner: . Agrees. V onhof: . Should be a permitted use. . Does not see a problem with the related traffic. Criego: . Supportive. . Is a very valuable asset to the community. MOTION BY LOFTUS, SECOND BY WUELLNER, RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL TO ACT IN FAVOR OF AMENDING THE ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE DA YCARE/PRESCHOOLS AS A PERMITTED USE IN THE B-2 ZONING DISTRICT. Votes taken signified ayes by Loftus, Wuellner, Loftus and Criego. MOTION PASSED. The public hearing was closed. CASE #96-045 PRELIMINARY PLAT PROPOSING A 28 LOT, SINGLE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT TO BE KNOWN AS "MAPLE HILL SECOND ADDITION" A 11.5 MN061 096.DOC PAGE 4 t~:e Dllt ~ q~/"Of+' }- PUBLIC HEARING Conducted by the Planning Commission KCV\C&1 f{- iJw();t[{ f1~/ifL- tl ~j;~M ~;J~3'v~p ~ !~aJ ~ The Planning Commission se1comes your comments in this matter. In fairness to all who choose to speak, we ask that, after speaking once, you allow everyone else to speak before you address the Commission again and limit your comments to clairification or new information. Please be aware this is the principal opportunity to provide input on this matter. Once the public hearing is closed, further tesitmony or comment will not be possible except under rare conditions. The City Council will not hear additional testimony when it considers this matter. Thank you. ATTENDANCE-PLEASE PRINT NAME ADDRESS PHLIST.DOC PAGE I ... ~ f" Planning Case File No. qh - D Lfi+ Property Identification No. ~ - 001- Dfo<f-O City of Prior Lake LAND USE APPLICATION 16200 Eagle Creek Avenue S.E. / Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Phone (612) 447-4230, Fax (612) 447-4245 Type of Application: Brief description of proposed project (attach additional o Rezoning, from (present zonin~) sheets/narrative if desired) to (proposed zonin~) ...Sb.. aftaL,MM. ~ Amendment to City Code, Compo Plan or City Ordinance o Subdivision of Land o Administrative Subdivision o Conditional Use Permit o Variance Applicable Ordinance Section(s): 3. I -/3-Z, ~j+" &/',.;~M I Applicant(s): ;;I.u-lfJ ttUJd Edward.:J: ~/.shif Address: oJ9()(' (I..u,';~r !?d. SW. Home Phone: 1./ 1./0 -$t)() '? Work Phone: 'I'f1-l/J& J Property Owner(s) [If different from Applicants): Address: 4'180 Dtl4h Sfr~ef (/J,-lD , CAL- Home Phone: Work Phone: Type of Ownership: Fee ~ Contract for Deed _ Purchase Agreement -----r. Legal Description of Property (Attach a copy ifthere is not enough space on this sheet): Urf 5~ (p J:i/oek 9 P/.D tJ: OJS tJOlOfc </0 To the best of my knowledge the information procided in this application and other material submitted is correct. In addition, I have read the relevant sections of the Prior Lake Ordinance and procedural guidelines, and understand that applications will not be processed until deemed complete by the Planning Director or assignee. =M ~~, ~~~ ..5J&J9~ . A plicant's Signature Date iK.~~ ~-- q - CfiR '_;€JW*'j~ature ~,., .......,. THIS SPACE TO BE FILLED IN BY THE PLANNING DIRECTOR OR DESIGNEE PLANNING CO~MISSION APPROVED DENIED DATE OF HEARING CITY COUNCIL APPROVED DENIED DATE OF HEARING CONDITIONS: Signature of Planning Director or Designee Date .~ 'YJQW'.~." i<" _..~:~. ____"f'i".,"...,.,..,'~>;.r ".I,"~"'~~~~~~~~~~~ia"JoO:"l""r ;""'~,r""'~~~'-"-r."',~~~.":~ll ..... ~""'''''-~~'''' ~ -.,'Y'P~"'~---"":~'~ >.-_........O"'!"~~._~ RECEIPT tlu 27661 DATE U~ IV;, 4 h CITY 0 F PRIOR LAKE 4629 DAKOTA STREET S.E., PRIOR LAKE, MN 55372 Rece i ved of ~:(;(j\C VI H ")?U;~_&L I whose address and/or legal description is the I; for the purpose of , ..,,'/ ~. }t{/~G:Z, U J rlU,Ou dollars U \ -::'\. """ U/) !L, C0Vl/U2/(~ Ji~l;:Y- -:ZO~ 0:::; $ (j"JJ. Reference Invo)ce No. r" . . / r ( 1) {( ~.l1t llLtfY~/~'C-- Receipt Clerk for/the City of Prior Lake l Little Lakers Montessori Pre-school & Child Care, Inc. Karen L. Fisher TeacherlDirector 4671 Colorado St. Prior Lake, MN 55372 EXPERIENCE: Step By Step Montessori - Northfield Teacher MacDonald Montessori Child Care - St. Paul Teacher/Program Coordinator Administration: * Coordinated activities for child care center serving approximately 100 families * Aid in NAEYC Accreditation. * Organization of parent meetings. * Supervisor of Montessori interns Early Childhood Teaching: * As head teacher plan, design and implement curriculum that best suits the developmental needs of each child enrolled at the school. * Create innovative early childhood materials. * Teach Montessori and early childhood curriculum for children ages 33 mo. - 6 yrs. Parent Communication: · Conduct Parent-Teacher conferences. · Communicate with parents on a daily basis. * Write a monthly newsletter to parents. EDUCATION: Metro State. Mpls * Behavior Disorders in Children College of St. Catherine * Obtained Teacher Certification * MacDonald Montessori Internship Attended National Conferences for Montessori & Early Ed · San Diego, CA Normandale Community College Inver Hills Community College Rule 3 Interpretation Meetings * CPR and First Aid Certification Affiliations include: NAEYC (National Assoc. of Education for Young Children) NCME (National Center for Montessori Education) 'J1';;. rt-;,-rf1('i' ."::<.r '_f-. June 3, 1996 Dear City of Prior Lake, We fully support the request by Karen and Edward Fisher to amend Section 5-3-3 of the Prior Lake City Code and Section 3 of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance to make pre-schools/childcare a permitted use in the B-2 Community Business Zoning District. Specifically, for the property at 4730 Dakotah Street to allow Little Lakers Montessori to move to that address. We urge you to grant their request. Thank you, /J; II rJ1~ Bill and Martha Dumler 15400 Oriole Court Burnsville, MN 55306 (612)898-3241 \ 5204 Hope Street Southeast Prior Lake, ~N 55372 June 3, 1996 IT (g@(g D \Y1I~ ~~ .1. \J I) R. Michael Leek, Associate Planner City of Prior Lake 4629 Dakota St. SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 Dear Mr. Leek and Planning Commission: I am writing to support the request made by Karen L. and Edward J. Fisher to amend section 5-3-3 of the City Code and section 3 of the Zoning Ordinance to make preschool and childcare a permitted use in the B-2 community business zoning district. The Little Laker Montessori program is a valuable asset to our city and the many families in our community with preschool-aged children. My family has enjoyed the Little Laker student recitals and song programs given for the residents in the Prior Manor facility. Prior Lake should make the necessary zoning changes needed to retain people-centered, locally-owned businesses like this preschool. Little Laker Montessori provides the downtown area with many financial and social benefits. Please amend the B-2 classification and allow this positive program to continue serving our community. Sincerely, ~;Jf~ Sharon K. Jerabek 4728 Tower Street Southeast Prior Lake, MN 55372 June 3, 1996 R. Michael Leek, Associate Planner City of Prior Lake 4629 Dakota St. SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 Dear Mr. Leek and Planning Commission: I am writing to support the request made by Karen L. and Edward J. Fisher to amend section 5-3-3 of the City Code and section 3 ofthe Zoning Ordinance to make preschool and childcare a permitted use in the B-2 community business zoning district. The Little Laker Montessori program is a valuable asset to our city and the many families in our community with preschool-aged children. My wife and I have enjoyed the Little Laker student programs and song recitals. Please amend the B-2 classification and allow this great program to continue serving our community. Sincerely, A. T. Hennek June 1, 1996 To: City of Prior Lake Planning Commission This letter is written to support Karen and Edward Fisher in their request to locate Little Laker's Pre-School/Child Care at 4730 Dakota St. in Prior Lake. The rationale for this support includes the following: I have had my daughter at Little Laker's since Oct. of 1994 and feel very strongly that it is a well-run, organized setting for young children. I have every confidence in Karen's ability to operate an excellent facility. In a short time this Pre-School/Day Care has grown from a few children to "full", with a waiting list of more parents wanting to get their children into this school - evidence of the confidence that other parents also have in the Fisher's. - There is always a lot of "talk" about keeping business in downtown Prior Lake. This is an opportunity to do just that! It would be very convenient for parents in tenns of drop off/pick up of their children. - Though Nursery Schools/Day Care Centers are listed under "B-1 Limited Business" it would certainly seem appropriate for these to be considered more of a community service. Commercial Schools are found under B-2 Community Business, why not include Pre-Schools here also? In conclusion, I would like to restate my support of the Fisher's request. And hope that you will find in their favor and amend the city code/zoning ordinance. Thank you! Sue Muelken June 3, 1996 Prior Lake Planning Commission, I am writing in support of the request made by Karen 1. and Edward J. Fisher to amend section 5-3-3 of the city code and section 3 of the zoning ordinance to make preschool childcare a permitted use in the B-2 community business zoning district. Two years ago after moving to Prior Lake, I was in the same dilemma as many or our new residents are today - where to find quality preschool for my daughter as well as employment for myself. I quickly discovered a shortage of both in Prior Lake. I found employment in Bloomington but thought it was quite important to find my daughter a preschool in the community where she lived. Fortunately, I met Karen and found the wonderful Montessori program she was offering. She was able to stay in the community and attend school with children that would be her neighbors and future classmates in the public school system. Not only has this school been a benefit to my daughter but also to myself. After months of commuting to Bloomington, Little Lakers Montessori grew to a point where Karen was able to add an additional teacher. Having taught public school in Texas, I was able to take on the position as Co-teacher at the school, thus offering me employment in the community. Now that my employment is in town, I can do all my shopping and personal business with our local merchants. I can only see benefits in allowing a quality preschool to grow and thrive in our community. Having Little Lakers Montessori in our downtown district offers a great service to our community in the means of education and employment for our residents. It will also bring additional people to downtown thus benefiting our local merchants. Downtown businesses, County Market, and other public services will benefit since residents picking up their children, will find it more convenient to shop in town than to drive to BurnsvilIe. It will also make Prior Lake a more appealing community to future residents and businesses since we will be providing quality care and education for the children of our community. Cindy Janssen June 3, 1996 Prior Lake Planning Commission, I am writing in support of an amendment to the city zoning ordinance to include pre-schoollchildcare in the B-2 Community Services zoning district. Little Lakers Montessori is already an established business in the community and it would be beneficial for both them and the city to have the school remain in town. The location being sought has good access and brings potential customers to the down town area. The school would be able to expand its services to the community by adding staff and increasing enrollment in the new location. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. c?f~~ Laurie Geris 5204 Hope Street Southeast Prior Lake, MN 55372 June 2, 1996 R. Michael Leek, Associate Planner City of Prior Lake 4629 Dakota St. SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 Dear Mr. Leek and Planning Commission: I am writing to support the request made by Karen L. and Edward J. Fisher to amend section 5-3-3 of the City Code and section 3 of the Zoning Ordinance to make preschool and childcare a permitted use in the B-2 community business zoning district. My child attends preschool at Little Laker Montessori. This program is valuable not only to our family, but to the City as a whole. Many families participate in and support the activities sponsored by the Fishers' program, which includes nature walks in our city parks, visits to our city library, community-building events and sing-a longs with the older residents in the Prior Manor facility, trash/environmental clean-ups on our city streets and parking lots, visits with fire and police officials, etc. The Little Laker Montessori offers so much to our city and community. Prior Lake needs to retain people-centered, locally-owned businesses like this preschool. Making the necessary amendments would ensure that the downtown area would continue to enjoy the benefits (social, financial, community-building) Little Laker Montessori provides. I urge you to vote to amend the B-2 classification, and to allow this positive program a permanent place in our community. Sincerely, Avuv Amy J. ndino 44( - ~(O( ( . ~~N~ ~ / 111y l/-eor fr;co- L~Je, C,'J7 CO().h(!;) }l1~r? ~ -r.}-;7 ou.r fM'\dEY'jCV1'C~~j LfJle, LoJff7 /YIO(,.te~~('; (LLM) ; "/ 100~I'f\J ~r a lar,er 5fACe. Fer, i.A Ie 'f' pr-e~f:VV d~carC' 'pro;'ftWl. (Ne J.,ave Z. d,ldf'efl I/JAo have ~ee~ ~ft-&lldlNj LLf\1l f~f' al(Y\t>7t Iyear-~ tIov.:1'<CAad;. ~/'lId I t i":::> 0-. jf e~ pr~rcvm Md 'J-;A e d, 'r ecio,s{;q ('€- 't 0Je"d1?r flA/. Be caiA~e 0+ LL/'I1~T~d ~pu.f~11'o1) <l71d pre"J,,,,,! pro')Y'tlfYJ #.e c,.J7 'of Pr,'or La~e ftoI~"Jj De ~e -j:;j- froM alloV' :~j i~e I"'",:-Jvx, I -J-, .Ja.y ; II U~ d()vJl\ 10(.0(\ Qli'eo.. J+ (JIICu IJ Q I~ dfcavv II) more. Qu '7tlOt1\-ef7 t~ '1-4. a r--eo. . ro4n/;~ . e ((UJIL j J I qrt; , (Jo 1AJ1VJm ~ ~ tmtM-tv: J (};h1 ~ ~ tJt~. ~ ~~~ '1730 b~ ~,~ AhcttJk eLM ~ - , u diLlfClllL ~ ~ ~ vd-~ : ~ ~ A (JfJMm.l/AI~*A~ tJtuP ~ ,&11ii ~ tUh;;;;;;.,y~~ au ~ ,.;!wI f ~ftd-~~ ~~ ~, I Ie I dle ~~ ftLbIfu1I ~ ~~vhthJ .~~~~~. : 1- bdL#Le~~cM~ ~) ~/~~ 3375 ~&i,1VW ~ W-tJ fl7A1 S"53J:l- CiCIO ~rJ-Ijl f e May 20, 1996 Karen L. And Edward J. Fisher 2906 Center Rd. SW Prior Lake, MN 55372 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Fisher: This letter is to inform you that your May 9, 1996, application for amendment of the City of Prior Lake's Zoning Ordinance is considered complete. The notice of public hearing regarding your request will be published in the Prior Lake American on May 25 and June 1, 1996, and the public hearing itself is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 1996. Should you have any questions about this matter, feel free to call me. ve?t ly yours, /' .//~k~ R. Michael Leek Associate Planner/Acting Assistant Planner cc. File 96-044ZA 16200 ~g~~ce~~kl%:1k S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 44.7-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNfTY EMPLOYER