Friday, 24 August 2007 01:57

Jackson Planning Commiission OK's Expansion of New Facilities

slide6The First Scheduled Public Hearing on the Jackson City Council’s agenda was the review of a request from Donna LaVecchia for a Conditional Permit Use to expand her current daycare facility, the Web of Life, located on Jackson Gate Road.

The Web of Life is actually 2 parcels of land, one parcel is located within the City of Jackson while the other is within the jurisdiction of the County of Amador. Currently, enrollment for the child care center is limited to a maximum of 12 children, and the request before the Planning Commission is to expand that number to a maximum of 25 children and a minimum of 3 employees, which is mandated by State licensing codes. The Web of Life preschool is designed to promote an early childhood education theory which originated in Northern Italy, and is gaining popularity worldwide. This program encourages children to be strong and capable and emphasis is placed on small group activities. Conditions of Approval for the project included the stipulations in regards to maximum allotment of children and employees and also included: that the applicant will have to pave a portion of the main parking area, but shall obtain a deferred improvement agreement for a minimum of 5 years from the City Council. A parking plan should be clearly defined and be clear signage indicating the main parking area as well as an overflow parking area in a pasture which the applicant owns. The public, by a vast majority was in support for the request for expansion, and the motion to approve was carried through unanimously by the Planning Commission.

The Second Public Hearing was another Conditional Use Permit request by Ron Regan to build an independent living senior facility adjacent to Oak Manor. Wayne Garibaldi opted to sit out for this specific agenda item. This Facility would be located at 135 Agate Place, and proposes 14 new residential units on approximately 14,000 square feet of land. Each residential unit will contain one bedroom, one bathroom, a living area, and a small kitchen allowing the residents to cook for themselves. The facility itself will contain a dining area, kitchen, lounge, activities room, and a reception area. It is proposed that these residential units will be entry level, or low income. All vehicular traffic will be directed to Oak Manor as opposed to the new facility, and a covered concrete walkway between the proposed structure and Oak Manor will be utilized by residents of both structures. Many of the public who voiced concerns in regards to the project seemed to have one thing in common, the impact of traffic with the new facility, it was stated that many of the residents at Oak Manor do not drive, nor will a majority of those at the new facility, however the concern was for Emergency Vehicles, Employees, Visiting Relatives, and Delivery Services. A response was given to alleviate some of the worry stating that employees have designated parking spots at Oak Manor and that delivery services will be directed to the same location as they are now. The Planning Commission voted 3-1 to approve the project.