07-27-15 Agenda, Packet & Committee Meeting Notice

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Emily James Sandock, Toddler House LLC 1250 Belmont Avenue South Bend, IN 46615 mkatish0hotmail.com 574 - 339 -2071 RE: Home at 430 Parkovash, South Bend IN, St. Joseph Township. Petition seeking a Special Exception to allow a daycare center in a "SF2" District and a variance from the required 5 parking spaces to 2. Hello, My name is Emily James Sandock, and I(as my LLC, Toddler House) own a home at 430 Parkovash, where I provide Montessori -based home childcare for infants and toddlers. I'm writing to seek your support in my petition for a special exception to permit me to continue my home child care program in this location, but defined as a daycare center under the city's definition. When I began my childcare program in Oct. 2013, licensed by the state of Indiana as a home childcare, I did not know that there was a zoning ordinance that defines a home childcare as one that operates out of a home in which the teacher /childcare provider resides. This is not a requirement for licensure by the state of Indiana. The special exception that I am seeking from the city would allow me to continue to provide home childcare, but defined as a day care center. I will continue to be licensed by the state as a home child care program, and continue to provide care and a Montessori program and environment for no more than 12 infants and toddlers. I will not be changing my Parkovash home in any way; it's perfect as is (though I hope to expand our gardens!) I believe that my childcare, Little House Montessori in no way negatively impacts the health, safety, comfort, moral standards, convenience, or general welfare of our area. We serve 12 local families, many who live in this and nearby city neighborhoods. These families are all 2 income, hard working families (employers include the City of South Bend, Notre Dame, a local home builder, and several in the medical field) who enjoy that we operate out of a home that retains its "home" atmosphere, while the space is 100 percent dedicated to the babies. We will not harm the character of the district, as I work hard to maintain a beautiful front flower garden, have no sign for my childcare, and will not be adding or changing the layout of the home. I believe that we do not take away from the value of our neighbors properties in any way. I firmly believe we add value to the area as we take great pride in the property and provide a high quality, much needed service. We also support the community by exclusively serving foods purchased through the South Bend Farmers Market and the Purple Porch Co -op. As a single mom of 3 girls, I am proud to be able to support my family through my