DCPCUP-2014-02301 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Madison community montessori school ESTABLISHED IN 1972 November 11,2014 -To: Town of Middleton(TO1vI)-Plan Commission From: Madison Community Montessori School(MCMS) Re: Proposed amendment to MCMS's conditional use permit(CUP)#2161 issued March 9,2011 Introduction MCMS requests that the TOM amend two conditions of the school's CUP: 1. MCMS would like to raise the present student enrollment cap from 160 to 215;and 2. MCMS would like to be able to host clubs and activities on occasional weekends at the school. MCMS's amendment requests comply with the six standards(noted in italics below)set out in Dane County • ordinance sec. 10.255(2)(h)for granting conditional use permits.The facts and evidence that demonstrate how the standards are met are outlined below. Raisins the enrollment cap to 215 children Raising the enrollment cap from 160 to 215 students will allow MCMS to meet the increasing local demand for high quality childcare and educational services for children between the ages of 12 months and 14 years (eighth grade).MCMS has reached the 160 cap since it opened in September 2012 by enrolling 33 more students from a total of 15 additional families.A wait list exists,that includes siblings of enrolled students and staffs children.The wait list is not due to lack of available slots in the classrooms,but because of the school's need to comply with the CUP's 160 student enrollment cap.A review of other area schools reveals that enrollment limits are typically based on the occupancy load of the school.The occupancy load of MCMS exceeds 320 students. Over the last two years of operation,MCMS clearly has shown that it has(1)not been detrimental to or endangered the public health,safety, comfort or welfare.In fact,the school has enhanced these aspects of life in the TOM by offering a sought-after,high-quality educational and childcare option for the community, and by creating a lovely environment at the corner of Airport Road and Ellington Way.Allowing the school to enroll more students will not change this. Raising the enrollment cap(2)will not substantially impair or diminish the uses, values or enjoyment of the surrounding neighborhood property, (3)nor impair the surrounding property's normal and orderly development and improvement.The school's operation over the last two years has met or exceeded these standards.MCMS is serving Middleton families,as evidenced by our popularity in this community.Today, 8%of current families live in the Town of Middleton,which is four times the number of families prior to 2012.Increased enrollment will likely further this trend,ensuring the long-term positive role MCMS will play in supporting the neighborhood,town,and surrounding area.In addition,school students have worked diligently to help maintain the park across the street,have volunteered to participate in prairie work and have partnered with Middleton Outreach Ministry. The school's attitude toward its neighbors always has been one of respect,with a desire to participate in the life of the neighborhood.As examples,the school sits on the board of the neighborhood homeowner's association,and has offered its space to the association for meetings.MCMS has contracted with the Town to make its parking lot available for overflow parking during soccer games.In addition,the school has invited its neighbors to two open houses.In the October 2014 open house invitation,MCMS told its neighbors of its intent to request an amendment of the CUP. 8406 Ellington Way • Middleton,WI 53562 • (608)827-MCMS • www.madlsoncommunitymontessori.org