The West Torresdale Morrell Park Civic Association and community members voted to allow Apple Tree Childcare and Learning Center, 3665 E. Crown Ave, to expand its operations to the upper level of the building and allow for two more preschool classrooms in the facility.
The two classrooms will allow for an additional 40 children to be accepted into the daycare.
Robert Borenstein, founder and CEO of Apple Tree Childcare and Learning Center, plead his case to the board stating that they will not be adding on to the exterior of the building, and the logistics of parking, pick-ups and drop-offs are planned for, which will not lead to traffic issues in the area, according to Borenstein.
“We’re not breaking ground, we’re not building anything onto the current structure,” Borenstein said. “We’re simply looking to repurpose the upper floor and make two classrooms.”
Apple Tree Childcare and Learning Center has a Keystone four-star rating, which is the highest rating a child care center can receive.
All members voted to allow the expansion, except one person from the community who objected.
The day care was issued a refusal about the expansion from the Department of Licenses and Inspections, meaning it had to go through the civic association to continue with the process of expanding the day care. The day care has to prove it is not going to be a burden on the community by expanding.
The next step is a zoning board meeting on Sept. 21 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. It will be accessible to the public over the internet and telephone.
The civic association also voted to donate $100 to Hero Thrill Show Inc., an organization for fallen police and firefighters. ••
