SR 05:154 - Laserfiche WebLink

Since the expanded parking area is located at the northern end of the property without direct access to either National Park Road or the preschool, it is not likely that this expanded parking area would be used by the preschool parents on a daily basis. For convenience, preschool teachers and parents more likely would use the parking area near Valley Trails Drive. Thus, the headlight and noise impacts from the vehicles to the residential properties located to the north and across National Park Road are likely to be limited. Noise from the Existing Preschool The appellants raise noise concerns from the existing preschool program. Staff notes that the preschool is not a part of the current proposal and is governed by a separate use permit. However, staff has addressed the neighborhood concerns with the proposed Master Plan. Staff visited the site during the preschool's outdoor playtime on June 1, 2005 at 10:50 a.m. The following table shows the average noise meter readings at three locations: Time Average Reading (dBA) At the Playground 10:50-10:55 68 National Park/Acadia 10:58-11:03 61 Greenbelt, across the park 11:05-11:10 53 St. Clare's is located in a residential neighborhood. The Noise Ordinance requires that, on residential properties, no person shall produce noise levels in excess of sixty (60) dBA at any point outside the property plane. However, the Ordinance grants daytime exceptions to allow a noise level not to exceed seventy (70) dBA at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet at its most noisy condition of use. The detected noise levels at the preschool did not exceed 70 dBA at the time staff measured it. Some residents consider the activities at the preschool playground to be noisy. Although the preschool program is not a part of the application, given the scope of the expansion of the existing Church facility, staff suggests that further noise study be conducted, followed by mitigations to reduce the current noise level. St. Clare's proposes to construct a solid fence at the playground to mitigate the noise. Staff believes this solution would mitigate the current noise situation. If necessary, rescheduling of outdoor playtime may be considered so that fewer children would be in the playground at one time. Thus, staff has included a condition (Condition No. 12 of Exhibit B) requiring that a noise study and corresponding mitigation measures be prepared and submitted to the Planning Director for review and approval. Preschool Program The appellants request that no expansion of the day care facilities, school facilities, etc. ever be permitted on St. Clare's site. SR:05:154 Page 9