Residents rally against proposed daycare citing safety concerns

During a recent government meeting, community members expressed significant concerns regarding a proposed daycare facility in Edinburgh Square, primarily focusing on traffic impacts and safety issues. Residents highlighted that the daycare's early opening hours, potentially as early as 6:30 AM, could exacerbate traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly in the winter when visibility is reduced.

One resident, Anne, emphasized the need for a larger play yard than the proposed 5,000 square feet, suggesting that it should be closer to 8,000 square feet to meet state guidelines. She also pointed out that the configuration of the site, including parking arrangements, could lead to increased traffic flow near residential areas, raising concerns about safety for children and residents alike.

Evelyn Finn, another resident and licensed realtor, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the proposed location is unsuitable due to existing traffic patterns and safety risks. She noted that the tight traffic conditions could hinder emergency vehicle access and create hazardous situations for children during drop-off and pick-up times.

Additional community members, including Mary Labonte, presented a petition against the daycare, citing the already high volume of traffic in the area and the potential strain on local infrastructure. They argued that the neighborhood, which includes a significant number of older residents, is not equipped to handle the increased traffic that a daycare would bring.

Sherry Stevenson raised further concerns about the saturation of similar facilities in the vicinity, questioning the necessity of another daycare so close to existing ones. She pointed out that the area already has multiple schools and childcare facilities within a short distance, suggesting that the community's needs might already be met.

Overall, the meeting underscored a strong community opposition to the daycare project, with residents advocating for a reconsideration of its placement due to traffic and safety implications. The discussions highlighted the need for careful planning and consideration of local infrastructure before approving new developments in residential areas.