Day care center proposed for SL Township corner

Thu, Jul 17, 2008

SPRING LAKE TOWNSHIP — Township planning commissioners Wednesday night looked favorably on preliminary site plans for a 6,800-square-foot day care center on a portion of property at the southwest corner of M-104 and 148th Avenue.

Steve Wilson owns the 5-acre parcel. He said he had hoped for a drive-thru restaurant and retail and office space on that site, but the economy has not cooperated with his plan.

The developer, Ross Pope of Spring Lake-based Redstone Development Group, said the proposed day care center would fulfill a need in the community and add up to 12 jobs.

"It's something this community has certainly been in need of for some time," he told planning commissioners Wednesday.

Pope plans to present a narrative and additional site plan and safety details at the Planning Commission's Aug. 20 meeting.

"This looks like a very ambitious project and one that's needed in this community," said Commissioner Jack Ketchum.

The proposed day care center is tentatively called Little Lakers. It would be licensed for 66 youngsters, age infant through 4, and would be built about 200 feet south of the intersection of M-104 and 148th Avenue .

Pope said the proposed building is designed to accommodate future uses, if necessary.

"It's designed in such a way to easily be converted into office use," the developer said.

Wilson said retail, office and restaurant use is still a possibility for the remainder of the site — but economics will drive the direction.

Ross said if the township grants approval for the site plan and a zoning variance for curb cuts, he hopes to begin construction next spring and open the day care facility in July 2009.